Phrasal verb
turn around
Meanings
to rotate or change direction so you face or point the other way
to improve a bad situation or make something successful again
to return to the place you came from, especially because you forgot something or cannot continue
Definition
To turn around means to rotate or change direction so you face the opposite way.
To turn around usually means to rotate your body or an object so it faces the opposite direction. It can also mean to change a bad situation into a better one, or to return to a place quickly after going away. The meaning is often clear from the context.
Examples
- I heard someone call my name, so I turned around.
- You should turn around if you missed the exit.
- He turned around the project by reorganizing the team.
- She had to turn around because she forgot her keys.
- They turned around their relationship by talking honestly.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "turn around" (change direction) with "turn over" (flip something or transfer control).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.