Stand/turn something on its head
phrase
To drastically alter or reverse a situation or the understanding of a concept.
Her groundbreaking research really turned current theories on their head.
Often appears as...
- turn the situation on its head
- stand the understanding on its head
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
phrase
To completely change the way something is done so that it is the opposite of how it was before.
His bold ideas on education are turning traditional teaching methods on their head.
Often appears as...
- turn the methods on their head
- turn the approach on its head
Usage tips
Neutral
Idiomatic
phrase
To drastically alter or reverse a situation or the understanding of a concept.
Her groundbreaking research really turned current theories on their head.
Often appears as...
- turn the situation on its head
- stand the understanding on its head
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
phrase
To completely change the way something is done so that it is the opposite of how it was before.
His bold ideas on education are turning traditional teaching methods on their head.
Often appears as...
- turn the methods on their head
- turn the approach on its head
Usage tips
Neutral
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Usage
The phrase is often metaphorical and does not involve physical 'standing' or 'turning'.
The latest findings stand our knowledge of nutrition on its head.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Change
It implies a surprising or unforeseen reversal of what was previously accepted.
His win turned the predicted results on their head.
Pro Tip 3/3Impactful Reversal
This phrase signifies a change that has profound effects or significance.
The new evidence turned the whole argument on its head.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Usage
The phrase is often metaphorical and does not involve physical 'standing' or 'turning'.
The latest findings stand our knowledge of nutrition on its head.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Change
It implies a surprising or unforeseen reversal of what was previously accepted.
His win turned the predicted results on their head.
Pro Tip 3/3Impactful Reversal
This phrase signifies a change that has profound effects or significance.
The new evidence turned the whole argument on its head.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Usage
The phrase is often metaphorical and does not involve physical 'standing' or 'turning'.
The latest findings stand our knowledge of nutrition on its head.
Pro Tip 2/3Unexpected Change
It implies a surprising or unforeseen reversal of what was previously accepted.
His win turned the predicted results on their head.
Pro Tip 3/3Impactful Reversal
This phrase signifies a change that has profound effects or significance.
The new evidence turned the whole argument on its head.
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