U-turn 180度大转弯 掉头I think the British government is making a U-turn on their Brexit stance.Cathryn made a U-turn on courting George, after playing "Hard to get" was going nowhere.Alabama made a U-turn on their strict stance against Mexican immigrants, when they realized that prisoners made poor substitutes to Mexicans when it came to picking fruits and chasing chickens.Definition: A complete change from one opinion or plan to an opposite one.Etymology: From making U-turns on roads.******180度大转弯 掉头People who make u-turns on controversial issues are either very liberal minded or extremely pragmatic. 在有争议问题上掉头的人,不是思想非常开放,就是特别务实.It's a blessing to all family members when the formidable father has made a u-turn in his attitude towards his children. Instead of being rigid and stern, now he is amicable, loving and ready for a chat any time. 威严的父亲对孩子们的态度有了180度的大转弯,他现在和蔼,慈爱,随时可以和孩子们聊天,家人感觉特别开心.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxPull stringsHis prominent grandfather was able to pull some strings to get him into the Ivy League university.My powerful father-in-law was able to pull some strings to bail me out of jail.Sharon bragged that she only needed to pull some strings to get front row seats to the concert.Definition: To use influence to get something done.Etymology: This alludes to manipulating a marionette doll.******搞关系 走后门In a non-legal society, people pull strings to survive! 在非法治社会,人们搞关系求生存.He is such an upright and honest local grass root official that he refuses to pull strings even in times of difficulty. Though he lost many chances for promotion, he has won the hearts and minds of the people he serves. 他是一名基层干部,困难时也拒绝走后门,虽失去不少晋升机会,但却赢得了大家的热爱.