ENGLISH
REFERENCE

turn of events

idiom
Meaning

A deviation from the expected course of events.


Examples
SIMPLE

This unexpected turn of events surprised everyone at the party.

CONTEXTUAL

The team was losing, but a sudden turn of events allowed them to win the game in the final minute.

COMPLEX

Following a strange turn of events, the quiet town suddenly found itself at the center of a national investigation.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    at all events

    In any event, at any rate, anyhow.

  2. 02

    blessed event

    The birth of a baby.

  3. 03

    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.

  4. 04

    everything one touches turns to gold

    Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.

  5. 05

    everything one touches turns to shit

    Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.

  6. 06

    good turn

    A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.

  7. 07

    left turn

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

  8. 08

    main event

    The most serious or important matter.

Last updated April 17, 2026