turn out
To end up; to result.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“It turned out fine in the end.”
“I was worried about the exam, but it turned out easier than I expected.”
“What had begun as a casual conversation in the café turned out, years later, to have changed the course of both their lives.”
disputed origin
From Middle English turnen out or tornen out, being a compound of turn and out. The usage in slang and prison contexts is likely an ellipsis for turn inside out, suggesting a reversal of an individual's character or social role.
- 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.
- 02
everything one touches turns to gold
Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.
- 03
everything one touches turns to shit
Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.
- 04
good turn
A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.
- 05
left turn
An unexpected change from the way things seemed to be going.
- 06
poacher turned gamekeeper
A person now charged with protecting what they formerly preyed upon.
- 07
serve the turn
To suffice for one's immediate purpose or need.
- 08
star turn
An acting performance which causes the performer to become renowned.
Last updated August 10, 2026