the wheel has turned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the wheel has turned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to indicate that circumstances have changed or that time has passed, often implying a shift in fortune or perspective. Example: "After years of struggle, the wheel has turned, and now she finds herself in a position of power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But the wheel has turned.

The New York Times

"The wheel has turned full circle," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Intentionally or not, he captures how the wheel has turned.

The New York Times

The wheel has turned and it is time.

The New York Times

For Colin Addison the wheel has turned full circle.

The Guardian - Sport

Now it is 50 years and the wheel has turned again.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The wheel had turned full circle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Globalization, a seminal force in sports as in much else, has blurred so many boundaries, so many rivalries, but it was still striking to see just how far the wheel had turned on Saturday night at the world figure skating championships in Moscow.

The New York Times - Sports

But that wheel has turned out to be a scientific blessing.

Science Magazine

On Saturday, we saw how far the wheels have turned.

The New York Times - Sports

But the wheels have turned so many times, it seems as though the whips have been forced to wander around looking for anyone left.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the wheel has turned" to suggest a complete cycle or a significant change in fortune, power, or circumstances. It's more impactful when the situation has come full circle or undergone a dramatic reversal.

Common error

Avoid using "the wheel has turned" for simple, linear changes. This phrase is best suited for situations where there's a sense of recurrence or a return to a previous state, not just a general shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the wheel has turned" functions as an idiom, expressing a completed cycle or a significant change in circumstances. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a commonly used phrase in English, marking a shift in fortune or perspective.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "the wheel has turned" effectively communicates a significant shift in circumstances, often implying a return to a previous state or a reversal of fortune. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, its impact lies in its ability to convey cyclical change or dramatic transformation. Remember to use it when a situation has come full circle, not just for simple, linear changes. Alternatives include ""the tables have turned"" and "times have changed", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the tables have turned

Specifically emphasizes a reversal of power or advantage.

the tide has turned

Implies a change in momentum or prevailing trend.

the pendulum has swung

Suggests a shift from one extreme to another.

fortune has shifted

Highlights the change in luck or prosperity.

destiny has changed course

Suggests a significant alteration in the expected outcome.

times have changed

Focuses on the change in era or period, not necessarily a cyclical return.

the situation is reversed

Highlights the complete turnaround of a particular state of affairs.

circumstances have altered

A more general and less idiomatic way of expressing a change in conditions.

events have taken a new direction

Focuses on the new course of happenings or incidents.

things are different now

A simple and direct way to state that a change has occurred.

FAQs

What does "the wheel has turned" mean?

The phrase "the wheel has turned" is an idiom that means circumstances have changed, often implying a reversal of fortune or a significant shift in power or perspective. It suggests that time has passed and things are now different, sometimes coming full circle.

How can I use "the wheel has turned" in a sentence?

You can use "the wheel has turned" to indicate a significant change in a situation. For example: "After years of being the underdog, "the tables have turned", and now she's in charge."

What are some alternatives to "the wheel has turned"?

Alternatives to "the wheel has turned" include phrases like "times have changed", ""the tables have turned"", or "fortune has shifted". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "the wheel has turned" formal or informal?

"The wheel has turned" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its impact depends more on the situation being described than the setting.