What Does “Turn on sb” Mean?
“Turn on sb” means to suddenly attack, criticize, or betray someone, often unexpectedly.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “Turn on sb” is used when someone changes their attitude or behavior toward another person in a negative way. It often involves surprise or betrayal. Understanding the “Turn on sb meaning” can help you recognize when relationships or situations change unexpectedly. This phrase is common in everyday English, especially when talking about conflicts or emotional shifts. Knowing how to use “Turn on sb” correctly will improve your speaking and writing skills.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Turn on somebody
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To suddenly attack or betray someone
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Turn on sb” is a transitive and inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot separate “turn on” by adding the object in the middle.
- Correct: She turned on her friend.
- Incorrect: She turned her friend on.
Pattern: Subject + turn on + somebody
How to Use Turn on sb?
Use “turn on sb” when someone suddenly becomes hostile or aggressive toward another person. It often implies betrayal or unexpected criticism. This phrasal verb is mostly used in spoken English and informal writing to describe changes in relationships or attitudes.
Examples
Imagine you trusted someone, but they suddenly start blaming or attacking you. This is when you can say they “turned on you.”
- He was my best friend, but he turned on me when I needed him.
- During the argument, she suddenly turned on her brother.
- The team turned on their coach after the poor results.
- It’s painful when someone you love turns on you without warning.
- Turn on sb in a sentence: “I can’t believe she turned on me after all we’ve been through.”
Common Mistakes
Some learners confuse “turn on sb” with other phrasal verbs or misuse the word order.
- Incorrect: He turned me on during the meeting. (This can have a different meaning related to attraction.)
- Correct: He turned on me during the meeting.
- Incorrect: She turned her friend on suddenly.
- Correct: She turned on her friend suddenly.
Differences / Synonyms
“Turn on sb” is similar to “attack sb” or “betray sb,” but it emphasizes surprise or sudden change.
- Attack sb: Direct physical or verbal aggression, not always sudden.
- Betray sb: Break trust, often planned or intentional.
- Turn on sb: Sudden hostility or betrayal, often unexpected.
Common Collocations
People often use “turn on” with specific objects to describe who is affected.
- Turn on a friend: To betray or criticize a close companion.
- Turn on a partner: To suddenly become hostile in a romantic relationship.
- Turn on a team member: To blame or criticize someone in a group.
- Turn on family: To act aggressively toward relatives.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of turn on sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “turn on sb” naturally.
Anna: Did you hear what happened to Mark?
Ben: No, what?
Anna: His friends turned on him after the project failed.
Ben: That’s harsh. I thought they were close.
Practice
Try to complete the sentence using the correct form of “turn on sb.”
During the meeting, Sarah suddenly _______ her colleague, blaming him for the mistake.
- a) turned on
- b) turned
- c) turned off
- d) turned up
FAQ
- Q: Can “turn on sb” mean to start a device?
A: No, “turn on sb” refers to attacking or betraying a person, not devices. - Q: Is “turn on sb” always negative?
A: Yes, it usually describes sudden hostility or betrayal. - Q: Can I say “turn on me”?
A: Yes, it means someone suddenly became hostile toward you. - Q: Is “turn on sb” formal or informal?
A: It is mostly informal, used in spoken English. - Q: What’s the difference between “turn on sb” and “turn against sb”?
A: Both mean to become hostile, but “turn against sb” focuses more on changing loyalty.
