to turn (something) on its head
Meaning(s)
1. to make something have the opposite effect or meaning
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
turn the argument on its head
Analysis
When you 'turn something on its head' or 'stand something on its head' it means to make it have the opposite meaning from the original - to make it the opposite of what it should be. This could be something revolutionary that changes opinions or a new way of looking at something in a completely different way.
Social Examples (Advance)
- Research into the effects of red meat on our diets has turned the original food pyramid on its head.
- The success of abolishing homework in Finland has turned former educational practices on their head.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- The new research turned existing understanding on its head.
- If we can turn that argument on its head for a moment, we can consider this from another perspective.
- I am trying to be kind here, don't take what I am saying and turn it on its head.