This is the twelfth of twelve pages (12/12) of alphabetically organized idiomatic expressions. These expressions all begin with the letters T-U and W. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find a challenging quiz about these idiomatic expressions.
- turn around – to change direction or improve a situation
The company turned around after the new CEO took over. - turn down (1) – to reject or refuse
He turned down the job offer.
(2) – to lower volume or intensity
Can you turn down the radio? - turn in (1) – to submit something
I turned in my assignment yesterday.
(2) – to go to bed
I’m tired—I think I’ll turn in early. - turn into – to become something different
The caterpillar turned into a butterfly. - turn off – to switch something off or cause loss of interest
Please turn off the lights.
His attitude really turns people off. - turn on – to switch on or excite interest or emotion
She turned on the TV.
His charm really turns people on. - turn out (1) – to result in a certain way
It turned out better than I expected.
(2) – to attend
Thousands turned out for the parade. - turn up (1) – to appear or arrive
He turned up late for the meeting.
(2) – to increase volume or intensity
Turn up the heat—it’s cold in here! - under the weather – feeling sick or unwell
She stayed home because she was feeling under the weather. - use up – to consume completely
We used up all the paper. - wait on – to serve someone
The waitress waited on our table. - walk on air – to feel extremely happy
He was walking on air after the concert. - warm up (1) – to heat something or prepare physically
Warm up the soup, please.
The team warmed up before the game.
(2) – to gradually become friendly or interested
She warmed up to the idea after a while. - warm up to – to become more comfortable or accepting of someone/something
He’s finally warming up to his new coworkers. - watch out for – to be careful or alert about
Watch out for that icy patch! - wear out – to become unusable from overuse or make someone tired
These shoes are worn out.
Work really wore me out today. - what the doctor ordered – exactly what is needed
That nap was just what the doctor ordered. - wipe out – to destroy completely or become extremely tired
The village was wiped out by the storm.
I was wiped out after hiking all day. - without a hitch – smoothly and without problems
The event went off without a hitch. - work out (1) – to exercise
She works out at the gym daily.
(2) – to find a solution or succeed
Things eventually worked out between them.