about-face
|a/bout/face|
/əˌbaʊtˈfeɪs/
complete reversal
Etymology
'about-face' originates from the military command 'about turn,' where 'about' meant 'in the opposite direction' and 'face' meant 'to turn.'
'about turn' transformed into the American English term 'about-face' and eventually became a common expression for a complete change in opinion or behavior.
Initially, it meant 'to turn in the opposite direction,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a complete change of opinion or behavior.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a complete change of opinion or behavior.
The company made an about-face on its policy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
to turn so as to face the opposite direction.
The soldier was ordered to about-face.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41