about-face
verb
- to turn around so as to face the opposite direction
- to reverse opinion or policy
- about-face, change your mind/stance completely
noun
- about-face, change your mind/stance completely
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /əˈbaʊtˌfeɪs/
noun
Etymology: From about + face, first attested in 1861, used in the imperative in the military.
- 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.”
- 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
Etymology: From about + face, first attested in 1861, used in the imperative in the military.
- To turn 180 degrees to face the opposite direction.
“The soldiers would about-face immediately after the order was given.”
- 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.”