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turn about

B2 formal inseparable both
In simple words

To turn to face the other way, or to completely change what you were doing or thinking.

Literal meaning: To rotate one's body so as to face in the opposite direction.

Meanings

1 B1 formal

To turn to face the opposite direction.

"The soldier turned about and marched back the way he had come."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic formal

To completely reverse one's opinion, decision, or course of action.

"The committee turned about and decided to approve the proposal after all."

Grammar: inseparable
3 C1 formal

To take turns; to alternate between people or things.

"They turned about on the watch, each taking a two-hour shift."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

More formal or literary than 'turn around'. The expression 'turnabout is fair play' (meaning it is fair to do to others what they did to you) is a set phrase. In military usage, 'about turn!' is the command for a 180° rotation.

Commonly used with

direction policy opinion face heel course

Forms

Base
turn about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
turns about
he/she/it
Past simple
turned about
yesterday
Past participle
turned about
have + pp
-ing form
turning about
continuous

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