# turn out

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/turn-out
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To end up; to result.

## Examples

- 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.

## 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. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.