about-face (as in reversal of policy or position) n.: volte-face [French]
More than 350 years have passed since Galileo was condemned by the Roman Catholic Church for the correct, if impolitic, declaration that the earth revolved around the sun. Now the church has solemnized its belated volte-face on the celestial dispute by mailing an apology [that is, issuing new stamps commemorating Galileo]. (Time International, Chronicles: “More than 350 Years Have Passed Since Galileo Was Condemned,” 6/13/1994, p. 13.)
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