about-turn
Sudden direction change
An about-turn is a reversal of direction or opinion.
In military drill, it's a 180-degree pivot to face the opposite way.
Figuratively, it describes a complete change of position: The government did an about-turn on the tax policy.
Chiefly British; Americans say about-face.
Also used as a verb: She about-turned and walked out.
Complete change of direction
- backtrackReverse one's position
- flip-flopSudden change of position
- recantFormally withdraw a statement
- retractWithdraw something said
renege · volte-face · withdraw · abandon · rescind · revoke · climbdown · backpedal
Point of rotation
- swivelRotating connection point
- spinRapid rotation around axis
- rotationTurning on an axis
- reversalComplete change of direction
volte-face · hairpin · pirouette · wheel · rotate · revolve · turnaround · backtrack
Evaluate again differently
- reconsiderationRenewed evaluation of something
- reassessmentRenewed evaluation of something
- reevaluationJudging something anew
- reappraisalNew assessment of value
revision · turnaround · conversion · shift · transformation · epiphany · awakening · reversal
reversal
Complete change of direction
- backtrackReverse one's position
- flip-flopSudden change of position
- recantFormally withdraw a statement
retract · renege · volte-face · withdraw · abandon · rescind · revoke · climbdown · backpedal · disavow
pivot
Point of rotation
reversal · volte-face · hairpin · pirouette · wheel · rotate · revolve · turnaround · backtrack · retrace
rethink
Evaluate again differently
- reconsiderationRenewed evaluation of something
- reassessmentRenewed evaluation of something
- reevaluationJudging something anew
reappraisal · revision · turnaround · conversion · shift · transformation · epiphany · awakening · reversal
drill
Hole-boring device
formation · inspection · barracks · sergeant · cadence · halt · attention · salute · regiment · squad
about-turnstraight ahead
In a line, unchanged direction
forward march · steady course · continue · continuation · same direction
about-turnconsistency
Reliable adherence to standards
steadfastness · constancy · perseverance · continuity · persistence
turn, about, return, turning, turned, turns, overturn, U-turn, abut