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Politics & Government vocabulary · Political News Vocabulary

U-turn

Meaning in politics & government, with examples

/ˈjuː tɜːn/nounCommon term

In politics & government, U-turn means: A sudden and complete change in a government's or politician's policy or position, usually after criticism or pressure.

In Turkish: geri adım, U dönüşü, politika değişikliği

How it is used

Very common in British political journalism, usually with a critical tone: the government made a U-turn on the tax. Its literal meaning is turning a vehicle round to go back the way it came. More neutral alternatives are reverse a decision and change course.

Example sentences

  1. The ministry made a U-turn on school closing times after complaints from parents.

  2. Critics called the decision a U-turn, but the minister said the plan had only been adjusted.

Common collocations

  • make a U-turn
  • a U-turn on
  • policy U-turn
  • dramatic U-turn
  • policyA plan or set of principles that a government, party or organization adopts to deal with a particular issue, such as education, housing or energy.
  • reformA change to a law, system or institution that is intended to improve it, such as changes to the tax, pension or education system.
  • spinA way of presenting information or events, especially to the media, that makes them look as favourable as possible for a politician, party or government.
  • public opinionThe views and attitudes that most people in a society hold about an issue, a policy or a political leader at a given time.

More terms: Political News Vocabulary

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