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Related topics:1 the time when it is your chance, duty, or right to do something that each person in a group is doing one after the other [= go British English]
chance to do something
[countable]2 if two or more people take turns doing work, using something etc, they do it one after the other, for example in order to share the work or play fairly : 
You'll have to take turns on the swing.
take turns
also take it in turns British EnglishYou'll have to take turns on the swing.3
in turn
a) as a result of something : Interest rates were cut and, in turn, share prices rose.
Interest rates were cut and, in turn, share prices rose.b) one after the other, especially in a particular order : Each of us in turn had to describe how alcohol had affected our lives.
Each of us in turn had to describe how alcohol had affected our lives.4
road
[countable]TTRa) American English a place where one road goes in a different direction from the one you are on [= turning British English] According to the map we missed our turn back there.
According to the map we missed our turn back there. take the first/a wrong etc turn (=go along the first etc road) I think we took a wrong turn coming out of town. Take the second turn on the left.
I think we took a wrong turn coming out of town.Take the second turn on the left.5 a change in the direction you are moving
change direction
[countable]6 a sudden or unexpected change that makes a situation develop in a different way
change in events
[countable] take a dramatic/fresh/different etc turn From then on, our fortunes took a downward turn. My career had already taken a new turn.
From then on, our fortunes took a downward turn.My career had already taken a new turn.7 the beginning of a new century or year : the short period from the turn of the century until World War One
the turn of the century/year
the short period from the turn of the century until World War One8 happening again and again, especially in an annoying way : problems that presented themselves at every turn
at every turn
problems that presented themselves at every turn9 the act of turning something completely around a fixed point : I gave the screw another two or three turns.
act of turning something
[countable]I gave the screw another two or three turns.10 changing from one quality, feeling etc to another : By turns, a 14 year old is affectionate then aggressive, silent then outspoken.
by turns
By turns, a 14 year old is affectionate then aggressive, silent then outspoken.11
turn of phrase
a) the ability to say things in a clever or funny way : Kate has a colourful turn of phrase.
Kate has a colourful turn of phrase.b) a particular way of saying something [= expression]: What a strange turn of phrase!
What a strange turn of phrase!12 to say something you should not say in a particular situation, especially because you do not have enough authority to say it : I'm sorry if I spoke out of turn, Major Karr.
speak/talk out of turn
I'm sorry if I spoke out of turn, Major Karr.13 to do something that is helpful or unhelpful for someone : You did me a good turn by driving Max home last night.
do somebody a good/bad turn
You did me a good turn by driving Max home last night.14 used to say that if someone does something nice for you, you should do something nice for them
one good turn deserves another
16
on the turn
British Englisha) HEM if the tide is on the turn, the sea is starting to come in or go out
b) starting to change, or in the process of changing : Hopefully my luck was on the turn.
Hopefully my luck was on the turn.c) DF if milk, fish, or other food is on the turn, it is no longer fresh
17 a sudden increase in your speed, or the ability to increase your speed suddenly : He's a top goalkicker with a surprising turn of speed.
turn of speed
British EnglishHe's a top goalkicker with a surprising turn of speed.
