about turn
Complete direction change
About turn is a military command to reverse direction by pivoting 180 degrees.
In British usage, it extends to any abrupt reversal of position or policy: The government did an about turn on tax reform.
Americans typically say about-face for both the literal maneuver and the figurative change of course.
Sudden change of position
- backtrackingReversing to find alternatives
- volte-faceComplete reversal of opinion
- retractionFormal withdrawal of statement
- recantationFormal withdrawal of statement
change of heart · policy shift · backpedal · reversal · turnaround · rethink · climbdown · switcheroo
flip-flop
Sudden change of position
- backtrackingReversing to find alternatives
- volte-faceComplete reversal of opinion
- retractionFormal withdrawal of statement
recantation · change of heart · policy shift · backpedal · reversal · turnaround · rethink · climbdown · switcheroo · pivot
drill
Hole-boring device
- paradeCeremonial public procession
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
- formationCreation or arrangement
march · cadence · inspection · sergeant · platoon · infantry · battalion · regiment · squadron · barracks
pivot
Point of rotation
wheel · 180 degrees · heel · footwork · stance · facing · reorientation · twist
- turn phrases
- dog sportsagility trials, obedience trials, teeter, tunnels, jumps
about turnstraight ahead
In a line, unchanged direction
forward march · steady course · stay the course · continue · proceed
about turnstay the course
Continue despite difficulties
hold the line · steadfastness · consistency · double down · stand firm
about, turn, turns, turned, turning, turner, turnable, turnabout