15秒了解
- A sudden, steep change in physical direction or a situation.
- Used for driving directions or describing unexpected plot twists.
- Implies a change that requires attention or a quick reaction.
意思
A 'sharp turn' is a sudden change in direction, either while driving on a road or when a situation or conversation unexpectedly goes a different way.
关键例句
3 / 6Giving driving directions
Watch out, there is a sharp turn right after the bridge.
انتبه، هناك منعطف حاد مباشرة بعد الجسر.
Discussing a movie plot
The plot took a sharp turn when we found out he was a spy.
اتخذت الحبكة منعطفاً حاداً عندما اكتشفنا أنه كان جاسوساً.
In a professional meeting
Our strategy took a sharp turn after the market crashed.
اتخذت استراتيجيتنا منعطفاً حاداً بعد انهيار السوق.
文化背景
In American business culture, a 'sharp turn' is often rebranded as a 'pivot.' Being able to handle a sharp turn in strategy is seen as a sign of a 'disruptive' and successful entrepreneur. British roads, especially in the countryside, are famous for actual sharp turns (often called 'blind bends'). This physical reality makes the phrase very common in daily British English. In Japanese social contexts, taking a 'sharp turn' in conversation can be seen as slightly rude or 'KY' (Kuuki wo Yomu - unable to read the air), as it disrupts the social harmony. German driving culture on the Autobahn involves high speeds where a 'sharp turn' is a serious safety matter. The metaphorical use is equally serious and often used in political commentary.
The 'Worse' Rule
Always remember that 'sharp turn for the worse' is a set phrase. You'll hear it in news reports about the economy or health constantly.
Not for People
Don't describe a person as a 'sharp turn.' You can say their *behavior* took a sharp turn, but not the person themselves.
15秒了解
- A sudden, steep change in physical direction or a situation.
- Used for driving directions or describing unexpected plot twists.
- Implies a change that requires attention or a quick reaction.
What It Means
At its heart, a sharp turn is about a quick, steep change. Imagine driving and seeing a road that bends almost like a 'V' shape. That is a literal sharp turn. However, we also use it for life. It describes when a story, a mood, or a plan changes suddenly. One minute you are laughing, the next everyone is serious. That is a sharp turn in the conversation.
How To Use It
You can use it physically or metaphorically. For physical movement, pair it with verbs like take, make, or be. For example, "Take a sharp turn at the gas station." For situations, use it to describe a shift in events. "The movie took a sharp turn when the hero disappeared." It acts as a noun phrase. It highlights the intensity of the change. It is not just a small curve; it is a big, noticeable shift.
When To Use It
Use it when giving directions to someone. It helps them know they need to slow down for the corner. Use it at work when a project suddenly changes goals. It is great for storytelling too. If you are telling a friend about a weird date, use it to mark the moment things got strange. It adds drama and clarity to your stories.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for slow, gradual changes. If a company slowly grows over ten years, that is not a sharp turn. Avoid using it for physical objects that are just pointy. A needle is sharp, but it is not a sharp turn. Also, do not confuse it with sharp meaning intelligent. Saying "He is a sharp turn" makes no sense. Stick to directions and sudden shifts in logic or action.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, this phrase is tied to the fast pace of life and driving. It became very popular with the rise of car culture in the 1950s. It reflects a world where things move fast and can change in an instant. In business, it reflects the 'pivot' culture. It shows that being able to handle a sharp turn is a sign of being a good driver or a flexible person.
Common Variations
You might hear people say hairpin turn for an even tighter road bend. In business, people might say a pivot or a u-turn. If the change is bad, they might say things took a turn for the worse. But sharp turn remains the most common way to describe a sudden, steep change in any context. It is simple, visual, and very effective.
使用说明
This phrase is safe to use in almost any setting. Just remember that in metaphorical use, it usually emphasizes the 'suddenness' of the change.
The 'Worse' Rule
Always remember that 'sharp turn for the worse' is a set phrase. You'll hear it in news reports about the economy or health constantly.
Not for People
Don't describe a person as a 'sharp turn.' You can say their *behavior* took a sharp turn, but not the person themselves.
Narrative Power
Use this phrase in your writing to signal a transition. It's a great 'bridge' phrase between two different paragraphs.
例句
6Watch out, there is a sharp turn right after the bridge.
انتبه، هناك منعطف حاد مباشرة بعد الجسر.
Literal use for physical navigation.
The plot took a sharp turn when we found out he was a spy.
اتخذت الحبكة منعطفاً حاداً عندما اكتشفنا أنه كان جاسوساً.
Metaphorical use for a sudden story change.
Our strategy took a sharp turn after the market crashed.
اتخذت استراتيجيتنا منعطفاً حاداً بعد انهيار السوق.
Professional use describing a change in business direction.
The party took a sharp turn when the police showed up!
اتخذت الحفلة منعطفاً حاداً عندما حضرت الشرطة!
Informal use to describe a sudden change in atmosphere.
My diet took a sharp turn toward the pizza shop.
اتخذ نظامي الغذائي منعطفاً حاداً نحو محل البيتزا.
Using the phrase to joke about failing a goal.
The talk took a sharp turn when she mentioned the divorce.
اتخذ الحديث منعطفاً حاداً عندما ذكرت الطلاق.
Emotional use for a sudden shift in mood.
自我测试
Fill in the missing words to complete the common idiom.
The patient was doing well, but then his condition took a sharp turn for the _______.
The fixed idiom is 'take a sharp turn for the worse' (or better).
Which sentence uses 'sharp turn' in a figurative way?
Choose the correct option:
In this sentence, 'sharp turn' refers to a change in the topic or mood, not a physical road.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
A: How was the movie? B: It started as a romance, but then it _______ a sharp turn into a horror film!
While 'made' is possible for a driver, 'took' is the most natural verb for a story or situation changing direction.
Match the 'sharp turn' to the most likely context.
Context: 'The stock market took a sharp turn for the better today.'
Stock markets and economic trends are common subjects for this phrase.
🎉 得分： /4
视觉学习工具
Turn Types
练习题库
4 练习The patient was doing well, but then his condition took a sharp turn for the _______.
The fixed idiom is 'take a sharp turn for the worse' (or better).
Choose the correct option:
In this sentence, 'sharp turn' refers to a change in the topic or mood, not a physical road.
A: How was the movie? B: It started as a romance, but then it _______ a sharp turn into a horror film!
While 'made' is possible for a driver, 'took' is the most natural verb for a story or situation changing direction.
Context: 'The stock market took a sharp turn for the better today.'
Stock markets and economic trends are common subjects for this phrase.
🎉 得分： /4
常见问题
14 个问题Yes, 'sharp curve' is very common for roads, but 'sharp turn' is more common for the action of turning.
Yes, especially when describing trends (e.g., 'a sharp turn in the market').
A 'gradual turn' or a 'slight curve.'
No, unless you are talking about a 'sharp' flavor, but that's a different meaning of 'sharp.'
Both are correct. 'Take' is more common for following a path, 'make' is more common for the physical act of steering.
Yes! You can say 'a sharp turn for the better.'
Yes, in racing (F1, cycling) and skiing to describe the track.
Usually anything more than a 45-degree angle is considered sharp in everyday language.
Yes, that is the adverbial form and it is perfectly natural.
A hairpin turn is an extremely sharp turn that goes back in the opposite direction, like a U-shape.
Yes, 'the weather took a sharp turn' is a very common way to describe a sudden storm or cold front.
Use 'at' for the location and 'in' if you are currently driving through it.
Only if their character changes suddenly. 'His personality took a sharp turn after the accident.'
Yes, it is used daily in both American and British English.
相关表达
U-turn
similarA 180-degree turn to go back.
Pivot
synonymTo turn on a central point.
Swerve
similarTo turn suddenly to avoid something.
Change of heart
similarA change in opinion or feeling.
