Can "twists and turns" be used idiomatically? What's the meaning? (2024)

Yes. I might say "My brother and I have had a lot of twists and turns in our relationship." This means that we have probably had a lot of surprises that affected our relationship with each other, or other unexpected developments such as betrayals or fights.If I say "The movie's plot had a lot of twists and turns," it means that unexpected things kept happening that changed where the story was unfolding. It does not mean literal twists and turns, but figuratively if you think of the story or the relationship as a string or a ribbon, it would not go in a straight line.

February 5, 2013

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Can "twists and turns" be used idiomatically? What's the meaning? (2024)

FAQs

Can "twists and turns" be used idiomatically? What's the meaning? ›

Yes. I might say "My brother and I have had a lot of twists and turns in our relationship." This means that we have probably had a lot of surprises that affected our relationship with each other, or other unexpected developments such as betrayals or fights.

What is the meaning of the idiom "twist and turn"? ›

idiom. 1. : surprising changes. It's hard to follow all the twists and turns of the plot.

What is a word for twists and turns? ›

anfractuous circuitous coiling convoluted curvy deviative devious flexuous indirect meandrous snaky supple tortuous vagrant.

What does twists and turns of a plot mean? ›

Plot Twist meaning

It is a surprising turn of events that changes the narrative's trajectory, often revealing new information or completely altering the meaning of previous events. A well-executed plot twist can leave the audience in awe, questioning everything they thought they knew about the story.

What is the meaning of the idiom to a turn? ›

idiom. British. : cooked, performed, etc., in a perfect way : done to perfection. The chicken was done to a turn.

What does twists and turns mean in love? ›

Yes. I might say "My brother and I have had a lot of twists and turns in our relationship." This means that we have probably had a lot of surprises that affected our relationship with each other, or other unexpected developments such as betrayals or fights.

When life gives you twists and turns? ›

LIfe has got all those twists and turns. You've got to hold on tight and off you go. No matter what twists and turns your life offers you, your ability to be adaptable and flexible will help you to stay open to all of the hidden gifts that difficulty may offer. We turn the Cube and it twists us.

What is the difference between twisting and turning? ›

There are two operations that the people can perform, twisting and turning. In a twist, the person standing at NE swaps places with the person standing at SE, with NE lifting the rope over SE as they swap. In a turn, everyone moves clockwise one place - NE to SE, SE to SW, SW to NW and NW to NE.

What is a synonym for full of twists and turns? ›

What is another word for full of twists and turns?
twistywinding
crazycircuitous
roundaboutconvoluted
labyrinthinelooping
mazyspiral
76 more rows

What is the psychological term for twisting words? ›

Effects of Twisting Words on Mental Health

Gaslighting is a type of psychological manipulation that involves distorting words to instill doubt in an individual's mind regarding their memory, perception, or mental stability. It's a calculated move to make someone question their own understanding and reality.

What is an example of twist and turn? ›

The road along the coast twists and turns. A little boy was twisting and turning in the seat behind me.

What are twists and turns of the plot? ›

A plot twist may be foreshadowed, to prepare the audience to accept it, but it usually comes with some element of surprise. There are various methods used to execute a plot twist, such as withholding information from the audience, or misleading them with ambiguous or false information.

What does a twist represent? ›

The twist incorporates no beginning or end, which refers to the natural ebbs and flows of life, including the crossing of life paths between the two individuals. It is a powerful symbol for loyalty, friendship and love, signifying the strength and beauty of enduring friendships.

What does the idiom give us a turn mean? ›

give somebody a turn. ​(old-fashioned) to frighten or shock somebody. You gave me quite a turn, creeping up on me like that!

What is the idiom take a turn? ›

to develop in a particular way: The battle for control of the company took an interesting turn today. Events took an unexpected turn when her mother suddenly arrived. The author's career took a surprising turn when he released a jazz record.

What is the meaning of turn on in idiomatic terms? ›

idiom. : to cause (someone) to use or become interested in (something) for the first time. She turned him on to water-skiing. He was turned on to classical music by a teacher.

What is the meaning of the idiom toss and turn? ›

phrase. If you toss and turn, you keep moving around in bed and cannot sleep properly, for example because you are ill or worried. You feel as if you've been tossing and turning all night, and wake up feeling worn out.

What is the meaning of twirls and turns? ›

Britannica Dictionary definition of TWIRL. 1. [+ object] : to turn (something) around and around quickly.

What is a twist and turn in the plot? ›

A plot twist may be foreshadowed, to prepare the audience to accept it, but it usually comes with some element of surprise. There are various methods used to execute a plot twist, such as withholding information from the audience, or misleading them with ambiguous or false information.

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