# serve the turn

idiom

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

## Meaning

To suffice for one's immediate purpose or need.

## Examples

- This small table will serve the turn for now.
- I forgot my screwdriver, but this butter knife should serve the turn to tighten the screw.
- Although the makeshift shelter was far from ideal, it served the turn during the storm until they could reach a safer location.

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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.