"Did to a turn" is an idiomatic expression that means to perform or execute something absolutely perfectly or flawlessly. It suggests completing a task or action with great precision, skill, or accuracy, leaving nothing to be desired in terms of its execution.
The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the culinary arts, particularly in British English. When preparing a meal or dish, it is said that cooking something "to a turn" refers to cooking it to the exact point where it is perfectly done without becoming overcooked or undercooked. The phrase "did to a turn" has metaphorically expanded beyond the culinary context to describe the successful execution of any task with great finesse and mastery.
When something is "done to a turn," it implies that the action or task has been performed with such expertise and precision that it cannot be improved upon. It suggests that every detail has been executed flawlessly and that the outcome meets or exceeds expectations. The phrase implies a level of skill, craftsmanship, or dexterity necessary to achieve perfection in the given context.
For instance, if a chef is praised for preparing a steak "to a turn," it means that the chef cooked it to the ideal degree of doneness, resulting in a perfectly juicy and tender piece of meat. Similarly, if a musician plays a piece of music "to a turn," it means the performance was flawless and mastered with great technical proficiency.
Overall, the phrase "did to a turn" signifies achieving a level of excellence where no further improvement or refinement is needed.
