U-turn

American  

[yoo-turn] / ˈyuˌtɜrn /

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.

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verb (used without object)

1. to execute a U-turn.

   to U-turn into oncoming traffic.

U-turn British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of U-turn

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

The weather over the next few days is set to take a sharp U-turn after a week basking in warm spring sunshine.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

This probably means it wouldn't be fair to brand any softening of their position, should it come, as a U-turn.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Then he made a U-turn, pulled up near Palacios and called him over to his truck, Sadeh said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

—Asian equities rebounded in early Asian trade on Tuesday, making a sharp U-turn from the prior day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

After barreling down the highway, he made a screeching U-turn, with us kids feeling like the car was going to tumble over on its side, but the squad car made one, too.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

Related Words

• change of mind
• reversal
• turnaround