turn over
To relinquish; give back.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She turned over the keys to the new owner.”
“The suspect agreed to turn over all documents related to the case to the police.”
“Reluctantly, the aging monarch turned over the reins of power to his son, ending a reign that had lasted nearly four decades.”
From the Middle English *turnen* + *over*, functioning as a phrasal verb formed from the two component parts.
- 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