The phrase "turns under" can be a bit tricky to spell. The first word, "turns," is straightforward and is pronounced as /tərns/. The second word, "under," is spelled with the letters "u," "n," "d," "e," and "r," but the pronunciation is a bit different. It is pronounced as /ʌndər/ and has a schwa sound in the first syllable. To spell it correctly, it's important to remember that the "u" is pronounced as a short "uh" sound, and the "e" is not pronounced as a distinct vowel.
The term "turns under" is an idiomatic expression referring to the action of tucking or folding something beneath or inside itself, typically in a neat or orderly manner. It commonly describes the act of folding or rolling the edges or corners of a fabric or material inward, towards the underside or interior, to create a smooth and finished appearance.
In the context of sewing or crafting, "turns under" involves carefully manipulating the fabric by folding over the raw edges and tucking them underneath, ensuring that they are hidden from view. This technique is commonly used to create hems, cuffs, or edges that appear clean and professional. By turning under the fabric, it also prevents fraying or unraveling.
Moreover, "turns under" can also describe the action of flipping or rotating something beneath or underneath another object, often to hide or conceal it. For instance, when laying a tablecloth, one might turn under the overlapped edge to create a tidy and secure fold. This usage can extend to various scenarios, such as tucking bed sheets neatly under the mattress or folding the ends of a gift wrap beneath the present.
Overall, "turns under" is a versatile term that encompasses the act of folding, tucking, or hiding elements beneath or inside other materials to create a well-finished appearance or to secure and conceal them effectively.
The phrase "turns under" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two common English words.
The verb "turn" originates from Old English "turnian" and Middle English "turnen", which ultimately derive from the Proto-Germanic word "*turnaną". It has various meanings, including to rotate, change direction, or reverse.
The preposition "under" has a different origin and comes from Old English "under" or "ufan", which comes from the Proto-Germanic word "*undar". It is used to indicate position or movement below or beneath.
When these two words are combined in the phrase "turns under", it generally means to rotate something so that it is positioned or placed beneath or below another object.