Meaning
To change a plan suddenly.
Cultural Background
In Swedish politics, a 'u-sväng' is often linked to the concept of 'pudla' (to do a poodle), which means to apologize humbly while reversing a decision. The term is equally common in English-speaking politics. Margaret Thatcher famously said 'The lady's not for turning' to signal she would NOT make a U-turn. The German 'Kehrtwende' is often used in the context of 'Energiewende' (energy transition), showing how U-turns can become massive national projects. In the tech world, a 'u-sväng' is often rebranded as a 'pivot', which sounds more positive and strategic than 'changing your mind'.
Use with 'Total'
To sound more native, use the adjective 'total'. 'De gjorde en total u-sväng.' It adds emphasis to the dramatic change.
Not for small changes
Don't use this for minor adjustments. It's only for 180-degree reversals.
Meaning
To change a plan suddenly.
Use with 'Total'
To sound more native, use the adjective 'total'. 'De gjorde en total u-sväng.' It adds emphasis to the dramatic change.
Not for small changes
Don't use this for minor adjustments. It's only for 180-degree reversals.
Political context
In Sweden, this phrase is almost always used when discussing the government or large organizations.
Test Yourself
Fyll i rätt form av verbet 'göra'.
Igår _______ statsministern en oväntad u-sväng i frågan om bensinpriset.
The sentence refers to 'igår' (yesterday), so we need the preterite form.
Vilket påstående beskriver en 'u-sväng'?
När kan man säga att någon gör en u-sväng?
A U-turn is a 180-degree reversal of opinion or policy.
Välj det svar som bäst passar in i dialogen.
A: 'Jag trodde att de skulle sänka skatten?' B: 'Ja, men de _______ i sista sekunden.'
The standard idiomatic expression is 'göra en u-sväng'.
Matcha situationen med rätt uttryck.
En politiker lovar att inte gå med i NATO, men ansöker sedan om medlemskap.
This is a classic example of a total reversal of policy.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIgår _______ statsministern en oväntad u-sväng i frågan om bensinpriset.
The sentence refers to 'igår' (yesterday), so we need the preterite form.
När kan man säga att någon gör en u-sväng?
A U-turn is a 180-degree reversal of opinion or policy.
A: 'Jag trodde att de skulle sänka skatten?' B: 'Ja, men de _______ i sista sekunden.'
The standard idiomatic expression is 'göra en u-sväng'.
En politiker lovar att inte gå med i NATO, men ansöker sedan om medlemskap.
This is a classic example of a total reversal of policy.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily, but it often implies that the first decision was wrong or poorly thought out.
No, for mood swings we use 'humörsvängningar'.
Yes, it is common in business journalism and reports to describe strategy changes.
To 'hålla kursen' (hold the course) or 'stå fast vid sitt beslut' (stand by one's decision).
No, only 'u-sväng' exists because of the shape of the turn.
You say 'tvinga fram en u-sväng'.
Yes, if a team is losing and suddenly starts winning, or if a coach is about to be fired but then gets a new contract.
Usually 'i' (in) or 'om' (about). 'En u-sväng i frågan'.
It's rare. Usually, we say 'vädret slog om'.
In modern, everyday Swedish, yes. 'Helomvändning' sounds slightly more old-fashioned or formal.
Related Phrases
vända kappan efter vinden
similarTo change one's opinion to suit the current trend.
byta fot
synonymTo change one's standpoint.
göra en helomvändning
synonymTo do a complete 180-degree turn.
pudla
builds onTo make a total reversal and apologize.
backa bandet
similarTo go back and reconsider or restart.
