# turn over

idiom

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

## Meaning

To relinquish; give back.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

From the Middle English *turnen* + *over*, functioning as a phrasal verb formed from the two component parts.

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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.