turn ugly

Frequency: 6.58.8 per million words

Often used for situations that change suddenly to become violent or dangerous.

uglyVERBS + ugly (dangerous/threatening)

Categories:

turn

Examples (10)

  • The peaceful protest began to turn ugly as night fell.
  • Negotiations threatened to turn ugly if no compromise was reached.
  • The argument between the two brothers quickly turned ugly.
  • Crowds can turn ugly very fast when emotions run high.
  • If the conflict isn't resolved soon, things could turn ugly.
  • The political rally turned ugly when opposing factions clashed.
  • His mood could turn ugly without warning.
  • The situation is starting to turn ugly with all these threats.
  • We must prevent the discussion from turning ugly.
  • The game initially seemed friendly, but it turned ugly after a controversial call.