U-turn

American  

[yoo-turn] / ˈyuˌtɜrn /

noun

1. a U -shaped turn made by a vehicle so as to head in the opposite direction from its original course.

2. a reversal of policy, tactics, or the like, resembling such a maneuver.

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verb (used without object)

1. to execute a U-turn.

   to U-turn into oncoming traffic.

U-turn British  

noun

1. a turn made by a vehicle in the shape of a U, resulting in a reversal of direction

2. a complete change in direction of political or other policy

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Etymology

Origin of U-turn

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

A long-standing critic said "it is better to cringe and do a U-turn than do the wrong thing".

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

It also recently raised prices for AI services, accelerating the U-turn taking shape in an industry previously characterized by cutthroat discounting competition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Then he made a U-turn, pulled up near Palacios and called him over to his truck, Sadeh said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

—Asian equities rebounded in early Asian trade on Tuesday, making a sharp U-turn from the prior day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

She drove past the store, and had to make a U-turn in the parking lot of an old apartment complex called the Lakes.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John

Related Words

• change of mind
• reversal
• turnaround