a volte-face

volte-face

A complete change of opinion or belief. The phrase comes from the Italian term voltafaccia. Everyone was surprised when the candidate made a complete volte-face on her stance on taxes.

a volte-ˈface

(from French, formal) a complete change of opinion or plan: This represents a volte-face in government policy.This is a French adaptation of an Italian phrase and refers to turning to face the opposite direction.