Basic Details
Word: Overturn
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To change something so that the other side is facing up, or to reverse a decision or situation.
Synonyms: Reverse, Displace, Upend
Antonyms: Restore, Maintain, Stabilise
Idioms and Phrases
- Overturn the apple cart: To cause trouble or disruption to a stable situation. Example: "His unexpected announcement overturned the apple cart and everyone was surprised."
- Turn the tables: To change a situation so that you now have an advantage. Example: "She managed to turn the tables in the debate and won the argument."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The committee voted to overturn the previous decision about the new playground design.
Example 2: The children were careful not to overturn their glasses of juice while playing at the table.
Example 3: After new evidence was presented in court, the judge decided to overturn the original verdict.
Fun Fact
The word "overturn" comes from the combination of "over," meaning above or higher, and "turn," meaning to rotate or change position. It was once particularly used in the context of ships capsizing.
Famous Quote
"Sometimes it takes a great disaster to wake us up to the great opportunities we have." Hugh Miller
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "overturn" mean?
a) To dry something
b) To change position or decision
c) To repair an item
d) To collect something
Answer: b) To change position or decision
2. Which of these is a synonym of "overturn"?
a) Jump
b) Reverse
c) Stay
d) Clean
Answer: b) Reverse
3. Which word is an antonym of "overturn"?
a) Collapse
b) Restore
c) Upset
d) Change
Answer: b) Restore
4. Which sentence uses "overturn" correctly?
a) He was overturned by his surprise birthday party.
b) The toddler overturned the toy box in play.
c) She overturned the old clock to fix it.
d) The teacher overturned the lesson plan.
Answer: b) The toddler overturned the toy box in play.
5. What does the idiom "overturn the apple cart" mean?
a) To make a delicious fruit salad
b) To cause trouble or disruption
c) To organise an event
d) To design something new
Answer: b) To cause trouble or disruption
