What does “About face” mean?
"About face" means to completely change one's opinion or decision.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He did an about face and decided to support the new policy.
Example
After hearing the evidence, the jury did an about face and acquitted the defendant.
Example
The company's CEO did an about face and reversed his decision to lay off employees
Is “About face” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“About face” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “About face” effectively in context?
You can use "About face" to describe a situation where someone completely changes their opinion or decision. It emphasizes a sudden and dramatic shift in perspective. For example, if a politician initially supported a policy but later changed their stance, you could say, 'The politician did an about face and decided to oppose the new policy.'
- 1Politics
After promising to support the bill, the senator did an about face and voted against it.
- 2Legal
The witness's testimony caused the defense attorney to do an about face and change their strategy.
- 3Business
The company's CEO did an about face and decided to invest in a new market.
Similar phrases to “About face”:
Flip-flop
To change one's opinion or position frequently or abruptly
Example
The politician has a reputation for flip-flopping on important issues.
180-degree turn
To make a complete and drastic change in direction or opinion
Example
The company's new CEO made a 180-degree turn in their approach to marketing.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “About face” come from?
The origin of the phrase "About face" can be traced back to military drills. In military training, 'about face' is a command given to soldiers to turn around and face the opposite direction. Over time, the phrase has evolved to mean a complete change in opinion or decision.
Is “About face” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "About face" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where there is a complete reversal in opinion or decision.
What tone does “About face” have?
"About face" conveys a tone of surprise or astonishment. It suggests a sudden and unexpected change in direction or perspective.
Can “About face” be used in informal and formal settings?
About face can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as politics, business, or personal relationships. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations like presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He did an about face and completely changed his position.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time for an "about face"!' to imply a sudden change in direction.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- shift gears
- reverse course
- do a u-turn
- make a complete turnaround
- have a change of tune
Antonyms
- stay the course
- stick to one's guns
- remain steadfast
- hold firm
- maintain one's position
