turn of phrase

Idioms and Phrases

A particular arrangement of words, as in I'd never heard that turn of phrase before , or An idiom can be described as a turn of phrase . This idiom alludes to the turning or shaping of objects (as on a lathe), a usage dating from the late 1600s.

Example Sentences

"Hang it in the Louvre" is a well-known turn of phrase, but for one Newry woman it is about to become a reality.

From BBC

"A sense of humour and a turn of phrase that would have you in fits of laughter," the statement added.

From BBC

She has used verbose phrases when speaking off the cuff, and while a few turns of phrase have been embraced by her supporters, opponents have often criticised her for a lack of clarity.

From BBC

"She suffered no fools but had a kindness and warmth for many. Her wit and Derry turn of phrase made her impossible to ignore," he added.

From BBC

"Not everyone can express themselves as eloquently and with such exquisite turns of phrase as Donald J. Trump," he said in a post, presumably with a tone of sarcasm.

From Salon

Related Words

• definition
• explanation
• interpretation
• language
• phrase
• remark
• speech
• statement
• style
• term
• voice
• word