the worm has turned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the worm has turned" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a change in circumstances, often when someone who has been oppressed or underestimated begins to assert themselves or take control. Example: "After years of being overlooked, the worm has turned, and now she is leading the project with confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Now, apparently, the worm has turned.

The New Yorker

But the worm has turned.

The Guardian - Opinion

Well the worm has turned.

The Guardian - Business

"I'm thinking the worm has turned," Manager Jerry Manuel said.

The New York Times - Sports

I think the worm has turned on this.

The Guardian - Business

"The worm has turned many times during these tumultuous weeks," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Cilic had three match points, the first at 5-4, the second at 6-5 and the third in the tie-break only for Federer to come up with some clutch serving and when he took it 11-9 on his fifth set point, the worm had turned.

The Guardian - Sport

And in the past few months, the media worm has turned on Truthy.

Science Magazine

"The housing market worm has turned over the past few weeks".

The New York Times

After six years of being in contact with my birth family, I can safely say that opening that can of worms has turned out to be a blessing.

Huffington Post

But worms have turned against Mahmood.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the worm has turned" to signal a significant shift in power or advantage, especially when someone previously disadvantaged gains the upper hand.

Common error

Avoid using "the worm has turned" for minor or insignificant changes. The idiom implies a substantial reversal, not just a slight adjustment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the worm has turned" functions as an idiomatic expression, indicating a significant reversal of fortune or a shift in power dynamics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used to describe such changes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the worm has turned" is a common and grammatically correct idiom that signals a significant reversal of fortune or a shift in power. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it effectively conveys a change in circumstances. Remember to use it when there's a substantial reversal, not a minor adjustment. Alternative expressions such as "the tables have turned" or "the tide has turned" can be used to express similar ideas with slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the tables have turned

Emphasizes a complete reversal of roles or power dynamics.

the tide has turned

Suggests a shift in momentum or prevailing sentiment.

fortune has reversed

Focuses on the change in someone's luck or circumstances.

the situation has flipped

Implies a sudden and unexpected change in circumstances.

the balance has shifted

Highlights a change in equilibrium or power distribution.

there's been a turnaround

Indicates an improvement or positive change after a period of decline.

the game has changed

Suggests a fundamental alteration in the rules or dynamics of a situation.

things have taken a new direction

Implies a shift in course or trajectory.

a new chapter has begun

Suggests the start of a new phase or era, often with improved prospects.

the wind has shifted

Indicates a change in circumstances or opportunities, often implying a more favorable outlook.

FAQs

What does the idiom "the worm has turned" mean?

The idiom "the worm has turned" signifies a reversal of fortune or a shift in power, where someone previously weak or disadvantaged gains an advantage.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "the worm has turned"?

Use "the worm has turned" when describing a situation where there's a notable shift in power or circumstances, especially favoring someone or something previously at a disadvantage. Similar expressions include "the tables have turned" and "the tide has turned".

Are there any contexts where "the worm has turned" would be inappropriate?

Avoid using "the worm has turned" in situations where the change is minor or insignificant. It implies a substantial reversal, and its use in trivial contexts can sound exaggerated or out of place.

Is "the worm has turned" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase "the worm has turned" is generally considered informal but is acceptable in many contexts, including news and media. While not strictly formal, it's widely understood and adds a touch of color to writing or speech.