Phrase guide

turn on its head

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To turn upside-down; to invert.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • The crisis turned the formulas that had seemed to work on their head.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To completely change.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • The global economic crisis has managed to turn stock exchanges worldwide on their head.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.