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turn a phrase

vb. (context idiomatic English) To create a particular linguistic expression which is strikingly clear, appropriate, and memorable.

Usage examples of "turn a phrase".

He could turn a phrase rather well, but in human understanding he was pitifully deficient.

Yes, he could turn a phrase more smoothly than a milkmaid churning butter, yet for all his cleverness he could trust no one.

She is very good at that--her literary cleverness rarely misses an opportunity to turn a phrase around.