left turn
An unexpected change from the way things seemed to be going.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The story took a left turn at the end.”
“The meeting was going well until the manager took a left turn and announced the project was cancelled.”
“The investigation took a sudden left turn when the detective discovered evidence that completely contradicted his original theory about the crime.”
Derived from the adjective left and the noun turn. The interjection originates from the adverb left and the verb turn, with the verbal use of the phrase descending from the interjection.
- 01
be left at the post
To be beaten from the beginning of a competition or race.
- 02
be left holding the baby
To be left with the responsibility of resolving a problem.
- 03
Buggins's turn
A humorous, disparaging term for the appointment of a person by rotation or promotion, on the basis of length of service (it being that person's "turn") rather than merit or level of qualification.
- 04
Elvis has left the building
A phrase used to announce the end of a show, usually one performed by an Elvis impersonator.
- 05
everything one touches turns to gold
Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.
- 06
everything one touches turns to shit
Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.
- 07
exit stage left
An orderly and uneventful departure, timed so as not to detract or distract.
- 08
go left
To take a turn for the worse, to go horribly wrong.
Last updated August 10, 2026