handbrake turn

noun2

1. •
   An automobile driving manoeuvre where the driver starts turning the vehicle and then pulls on the handbrake to make the rear tyres lose adhesion and thus cause the back of the vehicle to slide around (in the direction of the turn).

   • The man did a handbrake turn, putting the car into a wild spin. — 2017
2. •
   (figurative) An abrupt change of opinion.

   • The Tony Blair who told his party conference that he has no reverse gear has performed a screaming handbrake turn for a man he once described as an 'absolute disaster'. — 2003