turn oneself in — to surrender oneself to the police or authorities, typically after committing a crime
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to surrender oneself to the police or authorities, typically after committing a crime
Pronunciation (IPA): /tɜːrn wʌnˈself ɪn/
Example Sentences
- After watching too many crime shows, Jake jokingly said he'd turn himself in for stealing cookies from the jar.
- The suspect's lawyer advised him to turn himself in before the warrant was issued.
- She couldn't live with the guilt anymore and finally turned herself in to the authorities.
turn oneself in
VERB[/tɜːrn wʌnˈself ɪn/]
to surrender oneself to the police or authorities, typically after committing a crime
After days of guilt, he decided to turn himself in at the police station.
Burn the evidence, learn the lesson, turn oneself in
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase combines Old English 'turnian' (to rotate, change direction) and 'inn' (inward, inside), developing from the literal image of turning oneself toward and into authority or custody. The expression evolved to mean voluntarily presenting oneself to law enforcement or authorities.
Breakdown
turn (Old English turnian, to rotate or redirect) + oneself (reflexive pronoun) + in (Old English inn, inward or toward the inside).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After watching too many crime shows, Jake jokingly said he'd turn himself in for stealing cookies from the jar.”
“The suspect's lawyer advised him to turn himself in before the warrant was issued.”
“She couldn't live with the guilt anymore and finally turned herself in to the authorities.”
“My cat would probably turn herself in if she could talk - she looks so guilty after knocking over plants.”
📚Related Words
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