turn of phrase

IPA/ˌtɜːn əv ˈfreɪz/
IPA/ˌtɜːrn əv ˈfreɪz/

turn of phrase — 名詞

1. a specific word or group of words that someone chooses to express an idea, espec

1.名詞B2
釋義

措辭；說法

指特定、巧妙的用詞方式

a specific word or group of words that someone chooses to express an idea, especially one that is noticeable, clever, or memorable.

例句

Emma's speech was full of memorable turns of phrase that impressed the audience.

Emma 的演講充滿了令聽眾印象深刻的巧妙措辭。

Omar used a clever turn of phrase, calling the disagreement 'a storm in a teacup'.

Omar 用了一個巧妙的說法，把這場爭執形容為「茶杯裡的風暴」。

turn of phrase + present participle: 'calling ...'

同義詞
  • expression

    more general; any fixed group of words, not necessarily clever or memorable

  • wording

    focuses on the exact choice of words rather than the cleverness of the expression

  • idiom

    a fixed expression whose meaning can't be guessed from the individual words, unlike 'turn of phrase' which can be original

  • saying

    a well-known phrase or proverb, whereas a turn of phrase may be invented on the spot

文法句型

a [adjective] turn of phrase

turn of phrase to describe something

用法筆記

Countable — you can have many different turns of phrase in a single speech or piece of writing.

常見錯誤

❌Her turn of phrase was very good.
✅She has a lovely turn of phrase.
💡The expression usually follows 'a' + adjective, not 'turn of phrase' as an uncountable quality.

2. the natural skill or talent for expressing ideas clearly and effectively when sp

2.名詞B2
釋義

表達能力

擅長用言語表達的才能

the natural skill or talent for expressing ideas clearly and effectively when speaking or writing, especially in a way that is pleasing or powerful.

例句

The novelist is known for her brilliant turn of phrase in describing everyday life.

這位小說家以描寫日常生活的出色表達能力著稱。

collocation: brilliant turn of phrase

Oliver has a natural turn of phrase that makes his emails a joy to read.

Oliver 表達能力很好，連他寫的電子郵件讀來都很愉快。

同義詞
  • eloquence

    more formal, emphasises fluent and persuasive speech

  • articulacy

    focuses on the ability to express ideas clearly, less common in everyday use

  • command of language

    broader, includes vocabulary range and grammatical accuracy

  • way with words

    informal equivalent, very close in meaning

文法句型

have a ... turn of phrase

known for one's turn of phrase

用法筆記

Uncountable in this sense — you do not say 'turn of phrases' when referring to a person's general ability. Distinguish from sense 1, which refers to a single instance of a clever expression.

常見錯誤

❌He has many turns of phrase.' (when meaning ability).
✅He has a wonderful turn of phrase.
💡For general ability, use the singular form with 'a'.