noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
A forward or backward flip, like a dragonfly's quick turn. Often used in gymnastics or play.
子供が公園でとんぼ返りをしている。
The children are doing somersaults in the park.
体操の授業
We practiced somersaults in gym class.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
quick round trip; there and back without staying
Going to a place and returning immediately, often without an overnight stay. Implies a very short visit.
大阪までとんぼ返りで行ってきた。
I went to Osaka and came right back.
出張はとんぼ返りだったので、観光する時間がなかった。
It was a quick round trip for business, so I had no time for sightseeing.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
abrupt turnaround; sudden reversal
Metaphorical use: a sudden change in direction, opinion, or policy, like flipping over.
社長の方針がとんぼ返りして、プロジェクトは中止になった。
The president's policy did an about-face, and the project was canceled.