Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

the worm has turned

idiom

/ðə wɜrm hæz tɜrnd/

Definition

A phrase that means a situation has reversed dramatically, especially when the previously oppressed or disadvantaged have gained the upper hand.

Examples

After years of being undervalued at work, the worm has turned, and now she’s leading the project.
It seemed like they would never win the game, but the worm has turned, and they are on a winning streak now.

Meaning

This idiom suggests that a person or group who was once at a disadvantage has gained strength and is now in a position to retaliate or assert themselves.