The English language is full of idioms that are used to express a variety of meanings. One such idiom is “turn against”, which is often used in everyday conversation, literature, and media. This phrase can be interpreted in different ways depending on the context in which it is used.
Meaning and Usage
“Turn against” generally means to change one’s attitude or behavior towards someone or something from positive to negative. It can also refer to a situation where someone who was once supportive becomes hostile or critical. This idiom is commonly used when discussing relationships, politics, and social issues.
Examples
| Situation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Relationships | “I thought we were friends, but she turned against me when I started dating her ex-boyfriend.” |
| Politics | “The voters turned against the incumbent after he failed to deliver on his promises.” |
| Social Issues | “Public opinion turned against the company after it was revealed they had been dumping toxic waste into the river.” |
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “turn against”
The idiom “turn against” is a common expression used in English to describe when someone changes their opinion or allegiance towards something or someone. The origins of this phrase are not entirely clear, but it can be traced back to ancient times when people would often switch sides during battles or political conflicts.
Throughout history, there have been many examples of individuals turning against their former allies or beliefs. In the Bible, Judas Iscariot famously turned against Jesus by betraying him to the Roman authorities. During World War II, many countries that were once allies turned against each other as tensions rose and alliances shifted.
In more recent times, the phrase “turn against” has been used to describe situations where individuals or groups change their stance on certain issues. For example, politicians may turn against a policy they previously supported if public opinion shifts in a different direction.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “turn against”
Variation 1: Turning against a person
One of the most common uses of “turn against” is when someone changes their attitude towards another person. This could happen for many reasons – perhaps they were once friends but had a falling out, or maybe one person did something to betray the other’s trust. In any case, when someone “turns against” another person, it means that they no longer support them or have positive feelings towards them.
Variation 2: Turning against an idea
Another way that “turn against” can be used is when someone changes their opinion on a particular issue. For example, if someone was once in favor of a certain political policy but later decides that it is not effective or ethical, they might say that they have “turned against” that policy. This use of the idiom implies a shift from one belief system to another.
| Variation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Turning Against a Person | “I thought she was my friend until she turned against me.” |
| Turning Against an Idea | “After learning more about climate change, I turned against using plastic bags.” |
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “turn against”
Synonyms
- betray
- abandon
- oppose
- rebel
- defect
- renounce
- forsake
When someone turns against another person or group, they may betray their trust or abandon their loyalty. They may also oppose them actively or rebel against them. Defection and renunciation are other ways of expressing this idea. To forsake someone is to leave them in a time of need.
Antonyms
- sustain support
- stand by
- uphold
- maintain loyalty
The opposite of turning against someone is to sustain support for them, stand by their side through thick and thin, uphold their values and beliefs, and maintain loyalty even in difficult times.
Cultural Insights:
In many cultures around the world, turning against one’s family or community is considered taboo. In collectivist societies such as Japan or China, group harmony is highly valued over individualism. Therefore, betrayal can have severe consequences not only for the individual but also for their entire family or social circle.
In Western cultures such as America or Europe where individualism is more prevalent than collectivism, turning against others may be viewed differently depending on context. For example, whistleblowers who expose corruption within organizations may be seen as heroes rather than traitors.
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “turn against”
In order to fully grasp the meaning of the idiom “turn against”, it is important to practice using it in various contexts. The following exercises will help you become more comfortable with this expression and understand its nuances.
Exercise 1: Write a short story or dialogue that includes the phrase “turn against”. Try to use it in a way that shows a change in loyalty or support, such as when someone switches sides or becomes an opponent.
Example: Sarah had always been one of my closest friends, but when she started dating my ex-boyfriend, everything changed. Suddenly, she turned against me and stopped returning my calls.
Exercise 2: Think of three different scenarios where someone might turn against another person or group. Write a sentence for each scenario using the idiom “turn against”.
Example:
– After years of working together, John’s business partner suddenly turned against him and stole all their clients.
– The fans were outraged when their favorite athlete turned against his team and joined their biggest rival.
– When her parents found out about her secret relationship, they turned against her and forbid her from seeing her partner again.
Exercise 3: Watch a TV show or movie where characters experience betrayal or shifting alliances. Take note of how they use language to describe these changes in relationships. Look out for instances where they may use variations on the idiom “turn against” (e.g., turn on, betray).
By practicing these exercises regularly, you will develop a better understanding of how to use the idiom “turn against” effectively in your own writing and conversations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “turn against”
When using idioms in English, it is important to understand their meanings and usage. The idiom “turn against” is often used to describe a situation where someone changes their opinion or loyalty towards another person or group. However, there are some common mistakes that people make when using this idiom.
One mistake is using the wrong preposition after “turn”. For example, saying “I turned on my friends” instead of “I turned against my friends” would change the meaning of the sentence entirely. Another mistake is using the idiom too broadly, such as saying “The weather turned against us” when referring to a storm ruining outdoor plans. This usage does not accurately convey the intended meaning of changing opinions or loyalties.
Another common mistake is confusing “turn against” with similar idioms like “go against” or “stand against”. While these phrases may have similar meanings, they are not interchangeable with “turn against”. It’s important to use the correct idiom in order to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
Lastly, it’s important to be aware of cultural differences when using idioms. Some idioms may be more commonly used in certain regions or countries than others. Additionally, some idioms may have different connotations depending on cultural context.
References:
- “turn against”, in The Century Dictionary …, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911, >OCLC.