turn someone out
turn out
1. verb To turn a light off. In this usage, a noun or pronoun (often "the light" or "the lights") can be used between "turn" and "out." Time to turn out the lights and go to bed. We turned our lights out and waited to hear what was happening. Your reading light is a bit bright. Would you mind turning it out?
2. verb To arrive for attendance, especially in large numbers. We had more people turn out for the conference this year than ever before.
3. verb To manufacture or produce something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "turn" and "out." We turn out nearly 4 million books every year. Once the strike ends, we can start turning cars out again. If I get into the zone, I can turn out 10 pages a night.
4. verb To point, curve, or fold outward. The edges of the desk turn out to give a more rounded appearance. My feet turn out slightly, which makes it awkward to dance.
5. verb To point, curve, or fold something outward. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "turn" and "out." He turned the book out so I could see what was on the page. Stop turning your toes out like that!
6. verb To result or end up as; to be ultimately discovered or considered to be (something). I thought the dinner turned out really well! He turned out to be a liar when all was said and done. Turns out I never lost the ticket—it was in my pocket the whole time!
7. verb To evict, eject, or expel someone. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "turn" and "out." It broke my heart to turn the family out, but they hadn't paid rent in three months. The B&B turned me out for playing loud music late at night.
8. verb To outfit, equip, or adorn. Typically used in a passive construction. The children had been adorably turned out in their costumes. It looks plain now, but you'll be amazed how the hall gets turned out for the event.
9. verb To get out of bed. I'd rather not turn out too early tomorrow—let's sleep in a little.
10. verb To get someone out of bed. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "turn" and "out." I don't know how you manage to turn out the kids and get them ready in time for school every morning.
11. noun The amount of people in attendance. As a noun, the phrase is usually spelled as one word. We had a great turnout for the conference this year.
See also: out, turn
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
turn someone out
tv. to introduce someone to drugs, prostitution, homosexuality, etc. (Underworld.) There are laws against turning out people the way Max was doing.
See also: out, someone, turn
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- turn out
- turn up
- turn it up
- turn off
- turned off
- turn-off
- turn someone off
- turn in
- turn on a dime
- turn (one's) back to (someone or something)