# box the compass

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/box-the-compass
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To make a complete reversal in stance or opinion.

## Examples

- He boxed the compass and now supports the plan.
- After criticizing the policy for years, the politician suddenly boxed the compass and praised it.
- The critic, having once called the novel 'unreadable,' boxed the compass in his later review, declaring it a masterpiece of modern literature.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.