10 expressions using the word “turn”
The word turn is both a verb and a noun. As such, it forms many idioms, collocations, phrasal verbs and other expressions.
In today’s lesson, we’ll look at 10 of them.
- Turn of speed
- Turn over a new leaf
- One good turn deserves another
- Turn of mind
- Do someone a good/bad turn
- Speak out of turn
- Turn and turn about
- Not know which way to turn
- Turn a blind eye
- Turn a deaf ear
Turn of speed
Meaning: refers to the ability to move extremely fast if needed.
Examples:
This football player has a fantastic turn of speed.
Although the cheetah has an incredible turn of speed, it is helpless when attacked by armed and motorized humans.
Turn over a new leaf
Meaning: if you turn over a new leaf, you change your behaviour in a positive way.
Examples:
Lisa turned over a new leaf. She no longer smokes.
Apparently, Steven has stopped overeating and promised to turn over a new leaf.
Turn and turn about
Meaning: one after another.
Examples:
Lorna and Sally worked in rotation turn and turn about until the project was done.
Little Johnny distributed the candies equally between his pockets and ate them turn and turn about.
One good turn deserves another
Meaning: used to say that if someone does you a favour, you should help them in return.
Examples:
You looked after our cat while we were on holiday and I’ll be happy to give you a lift to the airport. One good turn deserves another.
Turn of mind
Meaning: refers to a particular way of thinking.
Examples:
Tom is a hard-working man with a practical turn of mind.
Children in my school have an independent turn of mind.
Do someone a good/bad turn
Meaning: to do something helpful/unhelpful for someone.
Examples:
You did me a good turn by picking me up on your way to work. Thanks a bunch!
The tourist agent did us a bad turn by recommending this expensive and uninteresting place for our holiday. What a shame!
Speak/talk out of turn
Meaning: if you speak out of turn, then you speak foolishly and probably without authority.
Examples:
Our teacher hates students who speak out of turn, especially when they interrupt her.
I hope I don’t talk out of turn, but I think that dress is not what you should wear to the party.
Not know which way to turn
Meaning: if you’re not sure what to do, or whom to ask for help or advice, you can say that you don’t know which way to turn.
Examples:
After her father died, she could no longer pay the bills and rent. She didn’t know which way to turn for help.
When I first retired, I didn’t know which way to turn. I had too much free time.
Turn a blind eye
Meaning: if you turn a blind eye to something, then you ignore something bad and wrong.
Examples:
I read in the newspapers that a policeman turned a blind eye when some hooligans beat an old man in the street.
Some teachers turn a blind eye when it comes to using drugs in our school.
Turn a deaf ear
Meaning: if you turn a deaf ear, you ignore what someone says.
Examples:
When I asked Milly to babysit for me she just turned a deaf ear.
Some people are capable of turning a deaf ear to the crying victims of wars.
Hopefully, things turn out well for you! 😀
If you really want to learn English but don’t know how to do it and where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us. Book an online English lesson with one of our certified and experienced English teachers and take a test and consultation. Choose the most suitable app: Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, Viber or Facebook Messenger. You should certainly join us for 30-minute conversation sessions. We are organizing lessons at a 30% discount. Check it out!
Drop us a line on WhatsApp
1 Comment
Ferdinando Soares · 6 Sep 2021 at 7:52 am
Thank you so much for everything, you are a good Teacher which I had ever known on my email address. I am trying not to leave of your teaching English and right now I’m a little bit busy at the moment