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

On Tuesday, the rapid-fire recovery of Samsung and SK Hynix shares sent South Korea's Kospi 6.8% higher to 5288.08--a sharp U-turn from the index's 5.3% drop a day earlier.

From MarketWatch

While Darling refused to cave, he did recall that a number of bankers rang him up with what seemed like a script to complain about the bonus tax, urging a U-turn.

From BBC

I do a U-turn and hit the gas.

From Literature

It’s too early to know if this is a U-turn or a traffic delay for Europe’s green policies.

From The Wall Street Journal

In Thursday’s trading, the index lost as much as 0.3%, briefly took a U-turn to trade higher, and then fell once again by 0.2% during the New York afternoon.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• change of mind
• reversal
• turnaround