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.

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.

From Travels in China, Containing Descriptions, Observations, and Comparisons, Made and Collected in the Course of a Short Residence at the Imperial Palace of Yuen-Min-Yuen, and on a Subsequent Journey through the Country from Pekin to Canton by Barrow, John, Sir

Gratian was at the helm, ready to give a turn to wheel, whilst his comrades with their hands on the cleats were preparing to ease off the sheets.

From An Antarctic Mystery by Hoey, Frances Cashel

“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 Hutcheson, John C. (John Conroy)

You can't go and give a turn to none of the neighbors never, can't you?

From A Budget of Christmas Tales by Charles Dickens and Others by Schayer, Julia Thompson von Stosch

Mrs. Willoughby said nothing, except once or twice when she endeavored to give a turn to the conversation, in which she was signally unsuccessful.

From The American Baron by De Mille, James