twists and turns

twists and turns pl (plural only)

1. Abrupt changes in direction or orientation (often used figuratively).
   • 1814, Mary Leadbeater and Elizabeth Shackleton, “Calculation” in Tales for Cottagers, Dublin: John Cumming, p. 24,

     The same ignorance and avarice which made him think the education of his children an useless expense, caused him to reject the advice of his friends to make a will, which would also be attended with a little expense; and there were so many twists and turns in the law he said, every one ought to keep clear of it […]

   • 1909, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea, Chapter 21,

     “What a romantic old lane this it,” said Diana, as they walked along its twists and turns.

   • 1916, Eleanor H. Porter, Just David, Chapter 11,

     There was no question, of course, as to its final outcome, with six against one; but meanwhile the one was giving the six the surprise of their lives in the shape of well-dealt blows and skillful twists and turns that caused their own strength and weight to react upon themselves in a most astonishing fashion.

   • 1945, “On to Berlin,” Time, 9 July, 1945,

     The twists and turns of U.S. policy, which once bewildered our allies as well as our enemies, can be expected to straighten out into a more surely predictable course.

twists and turns

1. Third-person singular simple present indicative form of twist and turn