not know where to turn

not know where to turn

1. To not have a source of aid or support that is readily available, apparent, or reliable. We were so crippled by debt that we didn't know where to turn. I just haven't known where to turn since my parents died.
2. To not have any idea about what to do next or about something. I don't know where to turn—we've tried everything we can think of to fix the login issue, but it's still there! And so I found myself alone in Las Vegas, with no car, no cell phone, and no money. I didn't know where to turn.
See also: know, not, turn
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

not know where to turn

 and not know which way to turn
to have no idea about what to do (about something). I was so confused I didn't know where to turn. We needed help, but we didn't know which way to turn.
See also: know, not, turn
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

not know where to turn

Also, not know which way to jump or turn . Have no idea of how to get help or what course to take. For example, With all these offers coming in, he didn't know where to turn, or When her car was towed, Meg was distraught and did not know which way to jump. The first phrase dates from about 1400.
See also: know, not, turn
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

not know which way/where to ˈturn

not know what to do, where to get help, etc. in a difficult situation: She didn’t know where to turn for help when her daughter started taking drugs.
See also: know, not, turn, way
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • not know which way/where to turn
  • be there (for one)
  • been there
  • Adam's off ox
  • have it on good authority
  • authority
  • hidden depths
  • can take (something) to the bank
  • can take it to the bank
  • at your elbow
References in classic literature
Adams, his wife, and fifteen unfortunates who not only had no money but did not know where to turn or whither to go.
The Innocents Abroad
My whole former life--my life as a slave on the plantation, my work in the coal-mine, the times when I was without food and clothing, when I made my bed under a sidewalk, my struggles for an education, the trying days I had had at Tuskegee, days when I did not know where to turn for a dollar to continue the work there, the ostracism and sometimes oppression of my race,--all this passed before me and nearly overcame me.
Up From Slavery
" COMPENSATION He explained that he has children and he was hopeless as he did not know where to turn to for help.
Kenyan businessman in South Africa: 'They looted everything'
The money they have been promised from Tuesday has not been forthcoming, and anxious families do not know where to turn since some of them are out in the cold after their houses were hurriedly flattened on Friday last week.
Anxiety as Narok families yet to get payouts for railway land
Jordan and Katie attend to 21-year-old Stephen, who has tried to kill himself by jumping from a bridge into a canal, while Mark and Verity treat 35-year-old Brett, who has suffered alcohol dependency for 18 years and does not know where to turn.
BEST OF THE REST
She urged authorities to intervene earlier, stressing that families did not know where to turn, and added that a critical shortage of social workers limited options of victims.
Official hints domestic murders are inevitable
Rabbi Goldstein offers a source of encouragement and council for those whose lives might crave spirituality but do not know where to turn. A candid and impressively informative memoir, "Heal Us O Lord" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal reading lists, as well as synagogue, community, and academic library Contemporary American Biography in general, and Judaic Studies supplemental studies lists in particular.
Heal Us O Lord Rabbi Sidney Goldstein
Within his heartfelt suicide note to his sister it was clear that he simply did not know what to do when the builder kept on increasing his charges and did not know where to turn.
Dodgy builders - how to spot them and what to do if you fall victim to one; We've all heard (or seen) examples of seemingly professional people knocking on doors promising to do big jobs on the cheap - don't fall for it
IN RESPONSE to a speech made by Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport last week which is expected to address concerns about the kind of poor payment practices demonstrated by Premier Foods, The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) feels this move by the government will bring real and welcome relief to small firms which did not know where to turn.
Move to hit late payers is relief for small firms
Students may also not know where to turn to for help if they feel afraid or intimidated.
Protection of foreign students a top concern
I hired a detective as I did not know where to turn.
Dog lover calls in pet detective; Rescuer's search for missing pups after they are rehomed in Scotland ON THE TRAIL Anne wants to make sure pups are safe ON THE TRAIL
Roesslein adds, "All too often we see business professionals, especially financial advisors, have a need for marketing support but either do not know where to turn for help or cannot afford to work with a full scale agency."
New Marketing Consulting Firm Launches with Focus on Financial Services
While Selena Gomez has yet to meet her halfway so that they can be friends again, it is nice to know that Taylor Swift and the rest of her friends and family are willing to be there for Selena Gomez, even though the young singer-actress still does not know where to turn to.
Taylor Swift Reaching Out to Selena Gomez, Snubbed by Depressed 'Come and Get It' Singer?
Businesses do not know where to turn for help and need better guidance.
WISH LIST FOR SMALL BIZ; BIZBUDGET
Two-fifths (40%) said they did not feel able to talk to their creditors and 44% did not know where to turn for help.
Nine million in severe debt