ENGLISH
REFERENCE

turn against

idiom
Meaning

To rebel or oppose to something formerly supported.


Examples
SIMPLE

The crowd turned against the speaker when he broke his promise.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of loyalty, the community turned against the mayor when the scandal became public.

COMPLEX

Once celebrated as a visionary, the architect found that critics and former admirers alike had turned against him, denouncing his latest project as an eyesore.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    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.

  2. 02

    everything one touches turns to gold

    Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.

  3. 03

    everything one touches turns to shit

    Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.

  4. 04

    good turn

    A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.

  5. 05

    left turn

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

  6. 06

    poacher turned gamekeeper

    A person now charged with protecting what they formerly preyed upon.

  7. 07

    serve the turn

    To suffice for one's immediate purpose or need.

  8. 08

    star turn

    An acting performance which causes the performer to become renowned.

Last updated April 17, 2026