die Kehrtwende
Translation
U-turn, turnaround, reversal, about-face
Examples
Der Fahrer machte eine schnelle Kehrtwende.
The driver made a quick U-turn.
Die Partei vollzog eine politische Kehrtwende.
The party executed a political turnaround.
Grammar Patterns
to make/execute a U-turn/turnaround eine Kehrtwende machen/vollziehen The government made a U-turn in its policy.
Similar Words
Synonyms: U-Turn, Richtungswechsel, Umkehr; Antonyms: Fortsetzung (continuation)
Etymology
From 'kehren' (to turn) and 'Wende' (a turn). Literally a 'turn-turn'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a car 'kehren' (turning) to make a 'Wende' (turn) – a complete U-turn. This applies to both physical direction and changes in policy or opinion.