Left turn
intj, noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
- 1 An unexpected change from the way things seemed to be going. idiomatic
"After a self-titled debut did well, Miracle took a surprising left turn with 2001's Keep It Country."
- 2 Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see left, turn.
- 1 To turn ninety degrees to one's left, especially in response to a military command while marching. intransitive
"Let them but remember Lewis the eleventh, who to a Clarke of the Exchequer, that came to be Lord Treaſurer, and had (for his device) repreſented himſelfe ſitting upon fortunes wheele: told him, hee might doe well to faſten it with a good ſtrong nayle, left turning about it, it might bring him, where hee was againe. As indeed it did."
- 1 A command to a soldier or other person who is marching: turn ninety degrees to your left!
"The commanding officer then orders—Shoulder Arms!—Flanks, to the centre advance!—To the right and left turn!—Forward!"
Example
More examples"After a self-titled debut did well, Miracle took a surprising left turn with 2001's Keep It Country."
Etymology
The noun is derived from left (adjective) + turn (noun). The interjection is derived from left (adverb) + turn (verb), while the verb is derived from the interjection.