JLPT N1Idioms
掌を返す
- Meaning
- それまでの態度を急に変える
- Explanation
- "掌(てのひら)を返す" means to suddenly switch one's attitude or behavior to the complete opposite. As in "掌を返したように冷たくなる (become cold as if flipping one's palm)," it is often used to critically describe how quickly someone changes or how heartless they are. c3 "主張を曲げない (not bending one's claim)" means a consistent attitude, which is exactly the opposite.
Original Japanese explanation
「掌(てのひら)を返す」は、それまでの態度や言動を急に正反対へ一変させること。「掌を返したように冷たくなる」のように、変わり身の早さや薄情さを批判的に評す場面で多く使う。c3「主張を曲げない」は態度が一貫する意で、まさに逆である。
Quick check
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