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# a funny turn

phrase (noun phrase: a funny turn, funny turns; UK informal)

«a funny turn» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

(euphemism, UK) a sudden short spell of feeling ill, dizzy or faint, which may be a sign of something serious like a stroke.

### In the lessons

Used by older people and families in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand to talk about a sudden illness without naming it; chat and gossip.

### Examples

- Gran had a funny turn in the shop and had to sit down.
- He's been having funny turns, so the doctor wants to see him.
- I came over all funny — I think I had a funny turn.
- Gossip: «Did you hear Mr Jones had a funny turn?»
- After her funny turn, she stopped driving.
- Teacher: «If you have a funny turn on the trip, tell an adult straight away.»

### Note

Stands for «a dizzy spell», «a faint», sometimes «a small stroke». Not funny (amusing): «funny» here means «strange». Do not ignore it in a first-aid story: a funny turn may need a doctor.