i Register
In some senses, about-face is marked as figuratively. Watch for register when choosing this word.
about-face
/əˈbaʊtˌfeɪs/
noun 2verb 2
Collocations
5ADJ.
abrupt, right
VERB + ABOUT-FACE
made, orders
ABOUT-FACE + NOUN
gunfire, policy
PREP.
after, off, on
ADV.
immediately
Definitions
noun
1
An abrupt turn to face the opposite direction.
The soldier did an about-face and marched off.
Deciding that he hasn't had enough action for one day, Captain Evans of the Johnston orders another 180-degree about-face to give gunfire support to the new arrivals, this time picking on the heavy cruiser Tone.
2
A reversal in direction; a reversal of attitude or opinion.
When Luke heard the news, he did an abrupt about-face on the policy.
Sidney Powell does an about-face on her Stop the Steal claims [title]
verb
1
To turn 180 degrees to face the opposite direction.
The soldiers would about-face immediately after the order was given.
2
To change opinion or attitude drastically.
A politician will about-face at the drop of a hat if he thinks there are votes in it.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
noun — a major change in attitude or principle or point of view
- volte-face
- reversal
Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
Example Bank
601
The soldier did an about-face and marched off.
Wiktionary02
Deciding that he hasn't had enough action for one day, Captain Evans of the Johnston orders another 180-degree about-face to give gunfire support to the new arrivals, this time picking on the heavy cr
Wiktionary03
When Luke heard the news, he did an abrupt about-face on the policy.
Wiktionary04
The soldiers would about-face immediately after the order was given.
Wiktionary05
A politician will about-face at the drop of a hat if he thinks there are votes in it.
Wiktionary06
He has made an about-face.
Tatoeba · #3739263Usage Notes
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