arse about face

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Placed or arranged the opposite way to the way it should be.

Register: slang

Examples

No wonder it doesn't look right mate, you've got the whole thing arse about face.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Arranged in a confused or haphazard way; muddled.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “arse about face” mean?

Placed or arranged the opposite way to the way it should be.

Is “arse about face” formal or informal?

arse about face is generally slang.