Volte-face

Volte-face is a noun of French origin that refers to a complete reversal of opinion, policy, or position. It signifies a change in direction, often unexpected, and is commonly used in political, social, and personal contexts to describe a sudden about-face or a decisive turnaround in a previously held stance.

Volte-face meaning with examples

• In a surprising volte-face, the politician abandoned her long-standing stance on environmental policy, opting instead to support fossil fuel expansion. This sudden shift left many of her supporters confused and led to heated debates within her party about the implications of such drastic changes.
• The company's recent volte-face regarding remote work policies caught employees off guard. Initially staunch supporters of in-office work, management now realizes that productivity and morale improved when workers had the flexibility to choose their own environments. This change has reignited discussions about the future of corporate culture.
• After months of criticizing the rival’s approach to healthcare, the health minister executed a volte-face during a live debate, adopting many of the opposition’s suggestions. This unexpected alignment not only shook up the political landscape but also raised questions about credibility and future policy consistency.
• The author's volte-face within the storyline of her latest novel revealed a deeper, unexpected complexity in her characters. Initially perceived as heroes, they were unmasked as morally questionable, forcing readers to reconsider their original judgments and engage in deeper reflections about the nuances of good and evil.