about-turns
/əˌbaʊtˈtɜːrnz/
NOUN
1. A turn of 180 degrees
A complete half-turn in which someone turns to face the opposite direction, typically as part of a military movement.
1.1. Physical turns to face the opposite direction
Refers to deliberate 180-degree turns in which a person changes the direction they are facing.
Synonyms
- U-turns
- about-faces
Related Words
- pivots
- turnarounds
- reversals
NOUN
2. Total reversal of opinion or attitude
A significant change in someone's previously expressed opinion, attitude, belief, or position.
2.1. Changes of personal opinion or attitude
Describes a sudden or substantial change in someone's beliefs, opinions, or personal stance.
Synonyms
- changes of heart
- flip-flops
- reversals
- turnabouts
- volte-faces
Examples
- His series of about-turns regarding his career path left his family concerned about his stability.
- The market's unpredictable nature often leads to sudden about-turns in investor sentiment.
Related Words
- second thoughts
- reconsiderations
- recantations
- renunciations
- repudiations
- vacillations
2.2. Reversals of policies and management decisions
Describes significant changes in established policies, management decisions, or organizational strategies.
Synonyms
- U-turns
- reversals
- flip-flops
- turnarounds
- volte-faces
Examples
- The frequent about-turns in management decisions have destabilized the company's progress.
- The politician's multiple about-turns on key policies eroded public trust in his leadership.
- The team's constant about-turns in strategy hindered their ability to achieve long-term goals.
Related Words
- countermanding
- retractions
- retreats
- reconsiderations