English Reference
Idiom idiom

take a turn for the better


To start to become better; to improve.

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


SIMPLE

“Things finally took a turn for the better today.”

CONTEXTUAL

“After a difficult week of bad news, the situation at work finally took a turn for the better.”

COMPLEX

“Although the patient remained critical for several days, his health eventually took a turn for the better, much to the relief of his family.”


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure

    Precaution and prevention of an undesirable thing is preferable to dealing with its potential consequences.

  2. 02

    be taken ill

    To become ill.

  3. 03

    better angels

    Morally upright or otherwise positive attributes of human character.

  4. 04

    better for it

    In a more favorable position on the whole due to something, despite possible drawbacks.

  5. 05

    better luck next time

    Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.

  6. 06

    better nature

    the more amiable qualities of someone

  7. 07

    better place

    Heaven; happiness after death.

  8. 08

    better than sex

    Superlative; wonderful.

Last updated August 10, 2026