Meaning of the idiom 'To turn the corner' is?

Appeared in: HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

The idiom 'to turn the corner' metaphorically means to pass the most critical or difficult point in a process and begin to improve.
It signifies a turning point where a negative trend (like a worsening illness or financial loss) reverses and starts to become positive.
The 'corner' represents the crisis or the lowest point, and 'turning' it means successfully navigating past it.
Therefore, 'to pass the crises' is the most accurate definition among the choices.

Option A: This option describes a complete and conscious change in one's habits or lifestyle.
Option B: This describes an action or the application of effort. 'Turning the corner' is the result or the turning point, which may or may not be caused by hard work.
Option D: This option relates to deception or concealment. The idiom 'to turn the corner' has a positive connotation of hope and recovery, not dishonesty.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Idiomatic Expressions in English as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In a clinical setting, healthcare professionals often use the phrase 'turned the corner' in handovers or patient updates to signify that a patient's condition has stabilized and started to improve after a critical phase.
For a nurse, hearing that a patient has 'turned the corner' is a positive sign, but it also means that vigilant monitoring must continue to ensure the recovery is sustained and to watch for any signs of relapse.
What if? If a patient's vital signs improve but their lab values are still deteriorating, they have not yet 'turned the corner.' The phrase implies a more comprehensive and sustained improvement, not just a single positive sign.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify that the question is asking for the meaning of an idiom, which is a phrase whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements.
Think about the metaphor. A 'corner' is a place where you change direction. 'Turning' it implies making that change.
Consider the context in which you've heard this phrase. It's often used during illness or difficult times.
Evaluate each option against this metaphorical understanding. 'To pass the crises' directly relates to overcoming a difficult point and changing direction towards improvement.
Eliminate options that don't fit the metaphor. 'Working hard' is an action, not a turning point. 'Hiding reality' is about deception. 'Taking a new way of life' is a much broader change than just passing a crisis.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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