turn away
يصرف النظر
Literalmente: To rotate in a different direction
Use it when you can't look at something or when a place is too full to let people in.
En 15 segundos
- To look in a different direction to avoid seeing something.
- To refuse someone entry to a building or event.
- A separable phrasal verb used in both physical and social contexts.
Significado
To 'turn away' means to move your eyes or body so you aren't looking at something, or to refuse someone entry to a place like a club or a shop.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Watching a scary movie
The movie was so scary that I had to turn away during the basement scene.
The movie was so scary that I had to look away during the basement scene.
A crowded restaurant
The host had to turn away dozens of people because they didn't have reservations.
The host had to refuse entry to dozens of people because they didn't have reservations.
Feeling embarrassed
When he complimented her, she blushed and turned away.
When he complimented her, she blushed and looked in another direction.
Contexto cultural
The phrase has roots in physical navigation but evolved into a social gatekeeping term. In modern city life, it is most commonly associated with 'no-vacancy' signs at hotels or bouncers at exclusive clubs. It reflects the power dynamic between those who have access and those who are denied it.
The 'Separable' Rule
You can put the person in the middle! 'Turn them away' sounds more natural than 'Turn away them' when using pronouns.
Don't confuse with 'Turn Down'
Use 'turn down' for invitations or volume. Use 'turn away' for physical entry or looking in a different direction.
En 15 segundos
- To look in a different direction to avoid seeing something.
- To refuse someone entry to a building or event.
- A separable phrasal verb used in both physical and social contexts.
What It Means
At its heart, turn away is about physical movement. It is the act of looking in a different direction. You do this because you are bored, scared, or shy. However, it has a second, sharper meaning. It also means to reject someone. If a restaurant is full, they might turn away customers. It is a mix of physical action and social rejection.
How To Use It
You can use it literally or figuratively. For the physical sense, just say I had to turn away. It shows you couldn't keep watching. For the rejection sense, use it like a verb of power. The guard turned them away. Notice how the person being rejected goes in the middle. It is a 'separable' phrasal verb. You can say turn away the fans or turn the fans away. Both work perfectly.
When To Use It
Use it when a movie scene gets too gory. Use it when you are embarrassed and can't make eye contact. It is also the standard phrase for businesses. If a concert is sold out, the news will say 'thousands were turned away at the gates.' It sounds professional but clear. It is great for storytelling too. It adds a bit of drama to a scene.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you just mean 'to leave.' If you walk out of a room, that is just leaving. Turn away implies you were facing something first. Also, don't use it for ignoring a text message. That is ghosting or ignoring. Turn away usually involves a physical presence or a formal refusal. If you are breaking up with someone, turn away sounds a bit too poetic and dramatic for a casual chat.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, eye contact is very important. Turning away during a conversation can seem rude or suspicious. However, in literature, it is a classic trope for a tragic hero. Think of a movie where the hero walks into the sunset. They turn away from their old life. It carries a weight of finality. In the world of nightlife, being turned away from a club is a common (and painful) social experience.
Common Variations
You might hear turn someone's stomach. This is different! That means something is gross. You might also hear turn-away as a noun, but that is rare. Stick to the verb form. Another variation is turn back, which means to return. Turn away is specifically about the exit or the refusal. It is the 'no entry' sign of phrasal verbs.
Notas de uso
The phrase is very versatile but remember it's separable. Use 'turn [someone] away' for the most natural flow in conversation.
The 'Separable' Rule
You can put the person in the middle! 'Turn them away' sounds more natural than 'Turn away them' when using pronouns.
Don't confuse with 'Turn Down'
Use 'turn down' for invitations or volume. Use 'turn away' for physical entry or looking in a different direction.
The Bouncer Effect
In the UK and US, 'being turned away' is a very common way to talk about not getting into a bar or club because of your outfit or ID.
Ejemplos
6The movie was so scary that I had to turn away during the basement scene.
The movie was so scary that I had to look away during the basement scene.
Describes a physical reaction to fear.
The host had to turn away dozens of people because they didn't have reservations.
The host had to refuse entry to dozens of people because they didn't have reservations.
Shows the 'refusal' meaning in a business context.
When he complimented her, she blushed and turned away.
When he complimented her, she blushed and looked in another direction.
Used to describe a shy or emotional reaction.
The club was so packed they were turning everyone away at the door.
The club was so full they were rejecting everyone at the door.
Common way to describe a failed night out.
I tried to enter the VIP lounge, but the guard turned me away because of my Crocs.
I tried to enter the VIP lounge, but the guard rejected me because of my shoes.
Lighthearted use regarding dress codes.
The charity was forced to turn away applicants due to a lack of funding.
The charity was forced to reject applicants due to a lack of funding.
A serious, formal application of the phrase.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct form to describe a full hotel.
The hotel was full, so they had to ___ many travelers.
In the context of entry or service, 'turn away' is the correct phrase for refusing someone.
Complete the sentence about a visual reaction.
The sun was so bright that I had to ___.
You turn away to avoid looking at something painful or too bright.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Turn Away'
Telling a friend about a club.
They turned us away!
Describing a reaction to a movie.
I turned away from the screen.
Official business statement.
The agency turned away the request.
Where to use 'Turn Away'
At a Cinema
Avoiding a scary scene
At a Nightclub
Bouncer refusing entry
In a Romance
Hiding a blush
At a Hospital
Too many patients
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt means to rotate your head or body so you are no longer looking at something. For example, I turned away from the bright light.
Yes, it means to refuse them entry. If a party is full, the host might turn away guests.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a professional news report about a stadium being full.
They are very similar. Look away only involves your eyes, while turn away often involves your whole body or a formal refusal.
No, that sounds strange. You should say I turned down the offer. Turn away is for people or physical sight.
The past tense is turned away. For example, The guard turned me away yesterday.
Physically, it can be rude if someone is talking to you. It suggests you are bored or ignoring them.
Sometimes. You can turn away from a religion or a political party, meaning you no longer support them.
Using it for electronics. You don't turn away a TV; you turn off a TV.
Yes, if a shelter is full, they might have to turn away stray dogs.
Frases relacionadas
Look away
To move your eyes to avoid seeing something.
Turn down
To reject an offer or invitation.
Send away
To order someone to leave.
Shut out
To prevent someone from entering or participating.
Comentarios (0)
Inicia Sesión para ComentarEmpieza a aprender idiomas gratis
Empieza Gratis