take a turn for the worse
To start to become worse; to worsen.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The weather took a turn for the worse this afternoon.”
“The patient was recovering well until his condition suddenly took a turn for the worse.”
“Although the negotiations initially showed promise, the situation took a turn for the worse when both sides refused to compromise on the final terms.”
- 01
be taken ill
To become ill.
- 02
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.
- 03
cross to take up
Alternative form of cross to bear.
- 04
everything one touches turns to gold
Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.
- 05
everything one touches turns to shit
Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.
- 06
forget to take one's medication this morning
To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.
- 07
get taken in
To be fooled; to fall for.
- 08
give and take
A process of compromise or accommodation.
Last updated August 10, 2026