taking a turn for the worse

Verb

take a turn for the worse (third-person singular simple present takes a turn for the worse, present participle taking a turn for the worse, simple past took a turn for the worse, past participle taken a turn for the worse)

1. (idiomatic) To start to become worse; to worsen.
   • Rest assured, this will not last.
     Take a turn for the worse.
     Your hate, clipped and distant.
     Your luck, [a] two-headed cow.1983 April 12, “Pilgrimage”, in Murmur, performed by R.E.M.