PhrasesHub

Done to a turn

    Definitions

      • complete something perfectly or exactly
        Used to describe how a task or activity has been completed with precision and perfection, leaving no room for improvement or error

      • tired or worn out
        Describes a person's physical or mental state as being exhausted or drained, often due to hard work or excessive activity

    Examples of Done to a turn

    • 1. The cake was done to a turn when I took it out of the oven.

      Here, 'done to a turn' means that the cake was perfectly cooked and ready to be served. Metaphorically, when something is done to a turn, it means that it is finished to its utmost perfection.

    • 2. She can sew to a turn, meaning she's very skillful in sewing.

      This example refers to the idiomatic use of 'to a turn'. It is used to say that a person is very skilled at something. For instance, when we say, "He can sing to a turn", it implies that the person being talked about is an excellent singer.

    • 3. The automobile engine ran to a turn, meaning it ran perfectly according to the specifications.

      In this example, "to a turn" implies that the automobile engine functioned exceptionally well, precisely as it was meant to function.

    • 4. The clock struck twelve to a turn, referring to the perfect regularity with which the clock strikes.

      Here, "to a turn" is used to describe the perfect regularity with which the clock strikes. This metaphor implies that the clock strikes exactly and consistently at each stroke, without any variation.Based on the passage above, Can you provide examples of how the idiom "Done to a Turn" is used in different parts of a sentence?

    • The lasagne I cooked last night turned out so well, it was done to a turn.

      This idiom is used to express that a dish or meal has been perfectly cooked. 'Turn' here means 'right angle' and refers to the point at which the food is completely cooked through and there is nothing left to be done to it.

    • I've finally figured out how to tie my tie in a proper knot - it's done to a turn now.

      This idiom is used to express that a particular task or skill has been perfected. 'Turn' here again refers to the point at which the task is complete and achieved successfully.

    • The carpenter measured twice and cut once, ensuring that every piece of wood was done to a turn.

      This idiom is used to convey that someone takes great care and precision in their work. 'Done to a turn' here means that the wood is cut exactly as required, leaving no excess or wasted material.

    • My sister's hairdresser manages to style her hair perfectly every time - it's always done to a turn.

      This idiom is used to express that someone is very skilled at their profession or task. 'Done to a turn' here means that the hair has been styled beautifully and is exactly as my sister wants it to be.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "done to a turn" has two main meanings. The first is used to describe the completion of a task or activity with perfection and precision, while the second refers to a person's state of exhaustion. Both meanings evoke a sense of finality and completeness, with no room for improvement or further action.

    In the context of completing a task, the idiom emphasizes the idea of achieving a perfect result, as if the task has been cooked or prepared to the exact degree of doneness. This meaning can be used in a literal sense, such as when cooking a piece of meat to the perfect level of doneness, or in a figurative sense, such as completing a project with meticulous attention to detail.

    The second meaning of "done to a turn" is often used to describe a person who is physically or mentally worn out. This meaning can also be used in a literal or figurative sense, with the idea of being cooked or worked to the point of exhaustion. It can be used to describe someone who has been working hard all day, or someone who has been through a difficult or tiring experience.

    Origin of "Done to a turn"

    The origin of the idiom "done to a turn" can be traced back to cooking and food preparation. In the 1600s, the term "turn" was used to describe the act of cooking meat on a spit, which involved rotating the meat to ensure even cooking. When the meat was cooked to perfection, it was said to be "done to a turn."

    Over time, this phrase evolved to be used in a figurative sense to describe the completion of any task with precision and perfection. It was also used to describe someone who was physically or mentally exhausted, as if they had been cooked or worked to the point of being done to a turn.

    Today, the idiom is still commonly used in both contexts, with its origins in cooking still evident in its meaning. It serves as a reminder of the importance of precision and perfection in completing tasks, and also highlights the physical and mental toll that hard work and excessive activity can take on a person.