I was worried about the test, but I turned up trumps.
turn up trumps
idiomTo end up being successful when doing so was uncertain or unlikely.
We searched everywhere for the missing keys, and luckily, my brother turned up trumps in the kitchen.
Although the project seemed doomed from the start, the team's last-minute efforts turned up trumps, securing the contract against all expectations.
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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.
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everything one touches turns to gold
Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.
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everything one touches turns to shit
Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.
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good turn
A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.
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left turn
An unexpected change from the way things seemed to be going.
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poacher turned gamekeeper
A person now charged with protecting what they formerly preyed upon.
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put someone to their trumps
To put someone in a difficult situation.
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serve the turn
To suffice for one's immediate purpose or need.
Last updated April 17, 2026