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Definition

An unexpected change from the way things seemed to be going.

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Origins

The noun is derived from left (adjective) + turn (noun). The interjection is derived from left (adverb) + turn (verb), while the verb is derived from the interjection.

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In Context

  • "After a self-titled debut did well, Miracle took a surprising left turn with 2001's Keep It Country."
  • "Directors Rich Moore and Phil Johnston, both veterans of the original Wreck-It Ralph team, also pull off some inventive, enlivening left turns that bring to mind the first film."
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Related Idioms

e

everything in the garden is rosy

Things are going well; everything is fine.

 k

kick someone when they are down

To make things worse for someone who is going through a difficult time…

 t

take a turn

Change in direction, tone, or tendency.

 t

turn the boat

To make a major change in behavior, strategy, topic under discussion, …

 t

turn around

To suddenly change or reverse one's opinion, point of view, stated pos…

 t

turn one's color

To change color, especially to become pale or red in the face.
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