English Reference
Idiom idiom

reverse course


To stop and proceed in the opposite direction.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

The driver had to reverse course after missing the turn.

CONTEXTUAL

After realizing the project was failing, the manager decided to reverse course and try a different strategy.

COMPLEX

Faced with overwhelming public opposition, the government was forced to reverse course on the controversial new policy.


Related idioms7entries
  1. 01

    crash course

    A quick, intense course of learning, especially one which is informal or hurried.

  2. 02

    due course

    Regular or appropriate passage or occurrence

  3. 03

    horses for courses

    Different people are suited for different jobs or situations; what is fitting in one case may not be fitting in another.

  4. 04

    let nature take its course

    To permit events to proceed or a situation to develop without intervention or interference.

  5. 05

    matter of course

    A natural or logical outcome; perforce.

  6. 06

    par for the course

    To be expected; normal; common.

  7. 07

    stay the course

    To persist or continue, especially in the face of difficulties.

Last updated August 10, 2026