The proper spelling of the phrase "didst a u turn" is often confusing because it combines older and modern English language. The word "didst" is an archaic form of "did" and is pronounced as /dɪdst/. Meanwhile, "u turn" refers to the action of reversing one's direction and is pronounced as /juː tɜːn/. Combining the two, "didst a u turn" is pronounced as /dɪdst ə juː tɜːn/. This phrase is commonly used in driving to describe a maneuver where a vehicle reverses direction in a complete 180-degree turn.
"Didst a U-turn" is an archaic phrase formed by combining the verb "didst" with the noun phrase "a U-turn." The term "didst" is the second person singular past tense of the verb "do," commonly used in Middle English and Elizabethan-era English. It signifies an action performed by the subject, who is directly addressed as "thou."
A U-turn, on the other hand, is a term used in traffic and navigation contexts to refer to a complete reversal of direction, often executed in a vehicle. It involves turning 180 degrees, effectively moving in the opposite direction. U-turns are usually performed at designated points, such as intersections or roundabouts, depending on local traffic regulations.
Thus, "didst a U-turn" can be understood as an old-fashioned way of expressing that the subject made a complete reversal in their path or trajectory. The phrase implies that the action of turning was performed by the subject (using "didst"), and that this turn specifically involved making a 180-degree change in direction (referencing "a U-turn").
It is important to note that this phrase is no longer commonly used in modern English, as both the verb form and the term "didst" and the style of exclaiming an action in question and answer format have become archaic. However, in a historical or literary context, "didst a U-turn" might be encountered to describe a sudden reversal or change in direction made by someone.