give a turn
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I wish I could recollect whom he resembles, really,” said Ernest Wilton, to give a turn to the conversation, which had got into such an unpleasant hitch.
From Picked up at Sea The Gold Miners of Minturne Creek by John C. (John Conroy) Hutcheson
The manners, habits, and prevailing sentiments of women, have great influence on those of the society to which they belong, and generally give a turn to its character.
He heard enough to give a turn to his thoughts; and it was with unaffected sorrow that he reflected how the lonely woman had been dependent upon the charity, as it seemed, of others.
From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 15, No. 87, January, 1865 by Various
He not only never indulged in detraction, but when any species of scandal was exhibited in his company, he either remained silent, or endeavoured to give a turn to the conversation.
From On the Portraits of English Authors on Gardening, with Biographical Notices of Them, 2nd edition, with considerable additions by Samuel Felton
Elvira took up several children on her horse, and pointed out to Susannah a sickly woman to whom she could give a turn upon the pillion that she herself had ridden during the night.
From The Mormon Prophet by Lily Dougall
