turn out

Definition

To end up; to result.

Etymology

From Middle English turnen out, tornen out, equivalent to turn + out. The slang and prison terms meaning "to turn into a prostitute, etc." are probably an ellipsis for turn (inside) out (“to flip someone's character or role”).

Example Sentences

• "I had hoped our first meeting would turn out better."
• "The truth turned out to be more depressing than we thought."
• "I couldn't have assisted anyway, as it turned out."

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