# left turn

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/left-turn
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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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.