about-face

/ə'bautfeis/
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Thân thiện
about-face

The soldier performed a crisp about-face on the parade ground.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A complete reversal of opinion, attitude, or principle: A sudden and major change in one's stance or viewpoint on a matter.
    • A physical turn of 180 degrees: The act of turning to face the exact opposite direction, especially as a formal military command or maneuver.

  2. Verb:

    • To reverse one's opinion or stance: To change one's mind completely and adopt the opposite viewpoint.
    • To turn 180 degrees: To execute a physical turn to face the opposite direction.
Examples of Usage

  • Noun:

    • The company's sudden about-face on remote work policy surprised all employees.
    • The soldier executed a sharp about-face at the officer's command.

  • Verb:

    • After hearing the evidence, the politician about-faced on the controversial issue.
    • The platoon about-faced and marched back the way they came.
Advanced Usage

  • "to do an about-face": To perform a complete reversal.

    • The government did an about-face on its tax proposal after public outcry.

  • "a dramatic about-face": Emphasizes the sudden and significant nature of the change.

    • His support for the project represented a dramatic about-face from his previous criticism.
Variants and Related Words
  • Reversal (n): A change to an opposite direction, position, or course of action.
  • U-turn (n): (Informal) A complete reversal of policy or opinion, named after the driving maneuver.
  • Volte-face (n): (Formal) A sudden and complete reversal of attitude or policy.
Synonyms
  • Reversal: A change to an opposite state or direction.
  • Turnaround: A complete change, often leading to improvement, but can also mean a reversal.
  • Flip-flop (Informal, often negative): A sudden and complete reversal of position.
Related Phrases
  • Make a U-turn: (Idiomatic) To reverse one's decision or opinion completely.
    • The CEO made a U-turn on the merger plans after the board meeting.
Related Idioms
  • Do a 180: (Informal idiom) To change one's opinion or behavior completely, making a reversal.
    • He used to hate classical music, but he's done a 180 and now loves it.
about-face

The soldier performed a crisp about-face on the parade ground.

Noun
  1. a major change in attitude or principle or point of view
    • an about-face on foreign policy
  2. act of pivoting 180 degrees, especially in a military formation
Verb
  1. change one's mind and assume the opposite viewpoint
  2. turn, usually 180 degrees

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