Britpick Question

[amberfocus]

We have an expression here in the U.S. "He can turn on a dime."  It means to make an abrupt about face in a matter of opinion.  Do you have an equivalent expression in the U.K.?  We also have, "Stop on a dime," which means come to an immediate halt.  Do you have one of those as well?  Thanks!

Comments

[the-magpye.livejournal.com]

We have a similar expression, except a different piece of currency. xD As far as I know, the phrase it to 'turn on a sixpence' - I've heard my dad use it more than once, but I'm not 100% sure. I'd wait for another Brit to validate it before you go and ahead and use it. :)

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Okay, thank you! I thought you might.

[doctorsdiva.livejournal.com]

Yep turn on a sixpence is well known. It's old usage as we were decimalised in the 70's and don't have sixpences any more but it's still used.

As for stop on a dime - I don't think we have an equivalent. I think most likely would be 'he stopped dead' or 'came to a dead stop'.

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Okay. Yeah, we use dead stop or stopped dead, too. I was just writing something last night and I had the Doctor turn on a dime and then I thought, well, yes, but dimes are American and I changed it to something else, but then curiosity got the better of me and I though there must be something very similar. Anyway, thanks.

[captain91.livejournal.com]

turn on a sixpence, or if it's a particularly old person possibly a half pence

[blemt.livejournal.com]

If it's Jonathan then I'd argue he'd probably use the half pence variant. It would also be something just slightly off enough to catch attention, maybe a joke about being old beyond his years?

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Actually, it was for Hunger Moon, but come to think of it it would make a funny joke about his years if Jonathon were to say it to Rose. I may have to work that in. *grins* Thanks.

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

[electrictoes.livejournal.com]

People say 'turn on a sixpence', but it's mostly older people who say it, it's not really used any more.

Don't think we've got anything specific for 'stop on a dime'... maybe stop dead?

:)

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

It would have been in the narraration part anyway, not coming out of a character's mouth, so age wouldn't really come into it. We used stopped dead, so I think that'll have to do.

[amberwind.livejournal.com]

Another American here, but I've heard dead stop used many, many times. Also, we are talking AU here...

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Yeah. Dead stop is common enough here, too. Least in my part of the country.

[ageless-aislynn.livejournal.com]

*is always taking notes and shamelessly benefiting from your Britpick questions* :D ;) ♥!