In English, the word “turn” is versatile and used in many idiomatic expressions. Understanding these expressions can help improve your fluency and comprehension. Here are 20 common expressions with “turn,” along with their meanings and examples.
Expressions with Turn
1. Turn a blind eye
Meaning: Ignore something
Example: She turned a blind eye to cheating.
2. Turn the other cheek
Meaning: Respond to aggression without retaliation
Example: He turned the other cheek when insulted.
3. Turn over a new leaf
Meaning: Start afresh
Example: He’s turning over a new leaf at work.
4. Turn the tables
Meaning: Reverse the situation
Example: They turned the tables on their rivals.
5. Turn of phrase
Meaning: A way of expressing something
Example: Her clever turn of phrase impressed everyone.
6. Turn up the heat
Meaning: Increase pressure or intensity
Example: They turned up the heat during negotiations.
7. Turn a corner
Meaning: Improve after a difficult period
Example: The company finally turned a corner this year.
8. Turn in
Meaning: Go to bed
Example: I’m tired; I think I’ll turn in.
9. Turn out
Meaning: End up
Example: The event turned out better than expected.
10. Turn away
Meaning: Refuse entry
Example: They turned away people without tickets.
11. Turn against
Meaning: Become hostile
Example: The crowd turned against the politician quickly.
12. Turn back
Meaning: Return
Example: We had to turn back due to rain.
13. Turn down
Meaning: Reject
Example: She turned down the job offer.
14. Turn up
Meaning: Arrive or appear
Example: He turned up late to the meeting.
15. Turn off
Meaning: Repel or discourage
Example: His attitude turned me off.
16. Turn on
Meaning: Activate or start
Example: Turn on the lights, please.
17. Turn out
Meaning: Attend or participate
Example: A large crowd turned out for the show.
18. Turn over
Meaning: Give to authorities
Example: She turned over the stolen goods to the police.
19. Turn to
Meaning: Seek help
Example: He turned to his friend for advice.
20. Turn up one’s nose
Meaning: Show disdain
Example: She turned up her nose at the suggestion.
