U-turn

[yoo-turn]

noun

1. a U -shaped turn made by a vehicle so as to head in the opposite direction from its original course.

2. a reversal of policy, tactics, or the like, resembling such a maneuver.

verb (used without object)

1. to execute a U-turn.

   to U-turn into oncoming traffic.

U-turn

noun

1. a turn made by a vehicle in the shape of a U, resulting in a reversal of direction

2. a complete change in direction of political or other policy

Word History and Origins

Origin of U-turn¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Mr Aveling added his biggest hope was for a U-turn on planned changes to inheritance rules, which he said risked "killing family farms".

Read more on BBC

Describing the situation as a "shambles", Badenoch accused the government of floating the idea of increasing income tax rates only to "U-turn".

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"Why not recognise that now rather than in another few months and have to make a U-turn," the MP for Leeds East said.

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It also follows a nationwide audit of such programs after officials said a truck driver living in the U.S. illegally made a U-turn and caused a crash in Florida that killed three people.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Fears of a backlash from voters and Labour MPs prompted the U-turn, the report said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• change of mind www.thesaurus.com
• reversal 
• turnaround