Definition of u-turn

Short definition: The word u-turn means turning around completely to go back in the opposite direction. People also use it to describe a sudden change of opinion, plan, or decision after realizing something needs to be different.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word U-turn? The word U-turn is most familiar in driving and road signs, when a car turns around and goes back the way it came. But people also use U-turn in everyday conversation to describe a sudden change of decision, plan, or opinion. In real life, a U-turn can be practical and smart, because it often means someone noticed a mistake and corrected it quickly. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed and natural way, with explanations that feel human instead of stiff like a textbook.

Noun forms: U-turn, U-turns
Related: turn around phr., reversal n.
Syllable: U-turn

1. A turn made by a vehicle to go in the opposite direction.

   In driving, a U-turn is when a vehicle turns around so it can go back the way it came. It’s called a U-turn because the path looks like the letter “U.” People usually make a U-turn when they missed a turn, went the wrong way, or suddenly realized they need to go back.

   He missed the entrance, so he made a careful U-turn at the next safe spot.
   The sign said “No U-turn,” so she continued forward and found another route.
   The driver slowed down, checked for traffic, and then completed a smooth U-turn.

   Synonyms: turn around, reverse direction, turnaround, about-face (driving), reverse turn, direction change, flip direction, circle back, head back, turn back, reverse course, return turn
   Antonyms: go straight, continue forward, stay on course, keep going, move ahead, proceed, maintain direction, go onward, follow the road, keep direction, stay forward, carry on

2. A sudden change in a decision, plan, or policy.

   In everyday language, a U-turn describes a quick reversal in what someone planned to do. It can be personal, like changing your mind about a job, or public, like a company changing its strategy. People often use it when the change feels sudden, surprising, or very noticeable.

   The company made a U-turn and decided to support the idea they had rejected last month.
   She almost bought the apartment, but at the last minute she did a U-turn because something didn’t feel right.
   After seeing the results, the team did a complete U-turn and changed the whole plan.

   Synonyms: reversal, change of mind, complete switch, turnaround, about-face, backtrack, shift direction, change course, rethink, pivot, flip position, reverse decision
   Antonyms: stick with it, stay the course, remain consistent, keep the plan, follow through, hold steady, continue, maintain policy, stay committed, keep going, stand by decision, stay firm

3. A correction after realizing something is wrong.

   Sometimes a U-turn sounds negative, but often it’s just a smart correction. It can mean someone noticed a mistake early, admitted it, and chose a better option instead. In this sense, a U-turn can be a sign of maturity.

   He took a U-turn after realizing he had misunderstood the instructions.
   She made a quick U-turn and apologized, because she knew she had been unfair.
   The project improved after the team did a U-turn and fixed the main problem.

   Synonyms: correction, rethink, course correction, fix, adjustment, change to a better choice, reverse mistake, turn back, reconsider, revise, redirect, reset direction
   Antonyms: ignore the problem, continue the mistake, stay wrong, double down, refuse to change, keep the error, push forward blindly, stay stubborn, persist, carry on wrongly, insist, remain unchanged

4. A moment that changes the direction of a story or situation.

   People also use U-turn in stories and conversation to describe a sudden twist. It can be the moment when everything shifts— when someone changes their attitude, a relationship changes, or a plan turns into something new.

   The movie took a U-turn halfway through and became much darker than expected.
   Their friendship made a U-turn after one honest conversation cleared the tension.
   His life did a U-turn when he decided to start over in a new city.

   Synonyms: twist, sudden shift, big change, turning point, dramatic reversal, storyline change, major switch, plot turn, unexpected change, sharp turn, direction flip, sudden turnaround
   Antonyms: steady path, no change, predictable flow, smooth progress, consistent direction, stable story, straight line, unchanged plan, constant situation, steady course, no twist, stable direction

5. A word linked to flexibility and second chances.

   On a deeper level, U-turn represents the idea that people are allowed to change their minds. It suggests flexibility, learning, and second chances. Sometimes the smartest move in life is realizing you’re going the wrong way and turning around.

   He said his career U-turn was the best decision he ever made.
   She believes a U-turn is not failure, but a sign of growth.
   When you notice you’re unhappy, making a U-turn can be the beginning of a better life.

   Synonyms: second chance, fresh start, change of direction, life pivot, growth choice, flexibility, new path, turning back wisely, reset, restart, smart reversal, course reset
   Antonyms: stubbornness, refusing to change, staying stuck, no flexibility, fixed path, staying the same, rigid thinking, insisting, no second chance, continuing blindly, locked decision, unchanging course