Understanding About-Turns: A Guide to Sudden Change and Reversals

An about-turn is a sudden change of direction or decision, often in a complete reversal of one's previous course of action. It can also refer to a U-turn or a 180-degree turn, where one changes direction completely and goes in the opposite direction.

For example, if someone was heading north but then suddenly turned around and went south, that would be an about-turn. Similarly, if a company was planning to launch a new product but then decided not to do so and instead focus on an existing product, that would also be an about-turn.

The phrase is often used to describe a sudden change of heart or mind, where one's previous intentions or plans are abandoned in favor of something completely different. It can also be used to describe a reversal of fortunes, where someone who was previously doing well suddenly experiences a setback or failure.