did an about face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did an about face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complete reversal of opinion, position, or direction, often in a sudden or dramatic manner. Example: "After much debate, the committee did an about face on their initial decision regarding the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

After a nervous jab at the seed, the bird did an about face and took off.

The New Yorker

But by the time the youngest was in grade school, she did an about face.

The New York Times

Just last month, however, de Blasio did an about face on getting rid of the law.

Forbes

Last November, Munjal Shah made a fairly tough decision and did an about face on his startup, Riya.

TechCrunch

After erasing the morning's losses, the market did an about face, plunging sharply between 2 PM EDT and the close of trading.

Forbes

HBO, which in the past has said it wouldn't sell episodes of its shows to a subscription service such as Netflix, did an about face.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

On some issues he did seem to do an about face.

The Guardian - Opinion

George Osborne, the architect of Britain's austerity policies, has just done an about face (without, of course, admitting it).

The New York Times

"We are struggling to come to terms with the reason why he has done an about face," said Detective Superintendent Geoff Hunt.

The Guardian

But now with troop levels on the decline, it has done an about face and banned body art in those and other locations.

BBC

Wow, the Republicans have really done an about face on timetable for withdrawals.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did an about face" when you want to emphasize a complete and often unexpected reversal in direction, policy, or opinion. It's more impactful than a simple "change".

Common error

Avoid using "did an about face" in situations where the change is gradual or subtle. This phrase implies a sharp, decisive turn, so it's best reserved for dramatic reversals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did an about face" serves as an idiomatic expression indicating a complete reversal of opinion, direction, or policy. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing political decisions, market trends, and personal choices. The phrase often emphasizes the suddenness and unexpected nature of the change.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "did an about face" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe a complete and often unexpected reversal in direction, opinion, or policy. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in News & Media contexts, but can also be useful in Formal & Business and Encyclopedia publications as well. While it's generally acceptable, be mindful of the audience and consider more formal alternatives like "reversed course" or "altered stance" in strictly formal settings. Using the phrase effectively involves understanding its impact in highlighting a sharp, decisive turn rather than a gradual change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

performed an about-turn

A more formal and slightly less common version of "did an about face".

did a volte-face

A sophisticated way of saying "did an about face", indicating a complete reversal.

reversed course

Implies a change in direction, like "did an about face", but is slightly more formal.

made a U-turn

Suggests a complete reversal, often unexpectedly.

changed direction

A more literal and less idiomatic way to describe a shift.

backtracked

Implies retreating from a previous position or statement.

shifted gears

Indicates a change in approach or strategy.

flipped

A shorter and more informal way to describe a sudden change of opinion.

altered stance

Formally describes a change in position or attitude.

reneged

Suggests going back on a promise or agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "did an about face" in a sentence?

You can use "did an about face" to describe a sudden reversal of opinion, policy, or direction. For example, "The politician "did an about face" on his stance on climate change after the scientific report was published".

What can I say instead of "did an about face"?

Alternatives to "did an about face" include "reversed course", "made a U-turn", or "changed direction", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "did an about face" in formal writing?

While "did an about face" is widely understood, it might be perceived as slightly informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "reversed course" or "altered stance".

What's the difference between "did an about face" and "changed his mind"?

"Changed his mind" is a general term for altering one's opinion. "Did an about face" implies a more public and dramatic reversal, often involving a complete change of policy or direction. The intensity of the action is higher.