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turn around

A2 neutral separable both
In simple words

To face the other way, make a bad situation better, or finish and return something quickly.

Literal meaning: To rotate one's body 180° to face the opposite way.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To rotate one's body or an object so as to face or move in the opposite direction.

"She turned around when she heard her name being called."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To transform a failing or negative situation into a successful or positive one.

"The new CEO managed to turn the company around within two years."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To process, complete, or deliver something within a particular period of time.

"We can usually turn around a translation in 24 hours."

Grammar: separable
4 B1 idiomatic informal

(informal) To change one's position, decision, or opinion, often unexpectedly.

"He turned around and said he had never agreed to the plan."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Extremely versatile. In business, a 'turnaround' (noun) is a reversal from poor to good performance. In logistics, 'turnaround time' means how long something takes to be processed and returned. In everyday speech, 'turn around and do something' can express surprise at someone's sudden action.

Commonly used with

business company situation order time economy

Forms

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

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Synonyms

do a U-turn overhaul pivot rescue reverse spin around

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