ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Volte-face

Okay kiddo, let me try to explain what volte-face means. Have you ever changed your mind about something? Like maybe you wanted vanilla ice cream, but then you saw chocolate and decided you wanted that instead? Well, that's kind of like volte-face.

Volte-face is a fancy word for a big change of heart or a complete reversal of your opinion or plan. It's like doing a 180-degree turn, just like when you spin around on the spot. It means you were going in one direction, but now you're going in the exact opposite direction.

For example, let's say you really wanted to go to the park with your friends, but then it started raining hard. You might have a volte-face and change your mind about going to the park, and instead stay inside and play board games.

People can have volte-faces about all sorts of things, like their favorite color, who they want to be friends with, or what they want to be when they grow up. It's okay to change your mind sometimes!