turn the boat

present singular third person turns the boat · participle present turning the boat · participle past turned the boat · past turned the boat · alternative turn the boat around

1. idiomaticTo make a major change in behavior, strategy, topic under discussion, etc.

   "It will take a very special person to turn the boat and effect the required culture change."

   2014 June 11, Doug Gillon, “Meg Ritchie's long-playing records tell a tale of power and prowess”, in The Herald Scotland, retrieved 22 Aug 2017

   2 more examples

   The results were that instead of many voters wanting to turn the boat, they were soothed . . . into supporting Gillespie’s message.

   2017 June 14, Erich Reimer, “Ed Gillespie’s Virginia Win Is A Victory For Conservatism”, in The Daily Caller, retrieved 22 Aug 2017

   A little over a year ago I assessed the company's troubles and what it must do to turn the boat around.

   2017 August 14, Mark Cohen, “Macy's And The Department Store Genre Are Not Too Big To Fail”, in Forbes, retrieved 22 Aug 2017