ENGLISH
REFERENCE

turn one's coat

idiom
Meaning

To turn against a previous affiliation or allegiance.


Origin

disputed origin

From the practice of turning one's uniform coat inside out in order to hide the colors reflecting one's allegiance.

Examples
SIMPLE

He turned his coat and joined the rival political party.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of supporting the company, the manager turned his coat to work for their biggest competitor.

COMPLEX

The senator was accused of turning his coat when he abandoned his long-held principles to secure a position in the new administration.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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