Phrasal verb
turn over
Meanings
To flip or rotate something so the opposite side is facing up or outward.
To change position by rolling so your body is on a different side.
To give or deliver something to someone in authority or to another person.
Definition
To turn over means to flip something so the other side faces up.
To turn over is to rotate an object so it changes from one side to the other. People often use it for physical actions like turning a page, flipping a pancake, or rolling onto a different side in bed. It can also mean to hand something to another person or authority, such as keys or documents.
Examples
- Please turn over the page and read the next paragraph.
- I turned over the omelet too early, so it broke.
- She turned over in bed and fell back asleep.
- They turned over the lost wallet to the front desk.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "turn over" with "turn around" and use it when they mean to face the opposite direction rather than flip something to the other side.
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.