Spanish word

bandazo

Pronunciation

IPA/banˈdaθo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounabout-face

Example

La empresa dio un bandazo y cambió su estrategia.

The company made an about-face and changed its strategy.

Illustration for bandazo (about-face)

More examples

El gobierno dio un bandazo y cambió su política.

The government made an about-face and changed its policy.

Core concept

A rapid reversal of direction or stance.

Common phrases

  • dar un bandazo

    make an about-face

  • un bandazo político

    political about-face

Similar words

cambio: Change from one state or condition to another, not necessarily sudden or planned.
giro: Shift in course or orientation, a literal or figurative turn of direction.
vuelco: Sudden, thorough overturning of circumstances that leaves things fundamentally changed.

Definition in Spanish

Cambio muy repentino de dirección, situación u opinión, normalmente inesperado y brusco.

Word origin

Derived from banda 'side' and the intensifying suffix -azo, literally 'a big side-move', which by extension names an abrupt reversal in plans, position, or situation.

Usage tips

  • The collocation dar un bandazo is typical, and the word implies forceful suddenness so speakers choose giro or cambio for milder or planned changes.

Other meanings

  • swervenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word