Difference between turn down and turn away

[AJ]

Test No. incompl/inter-33 "Story (2)", question 3

In fact they were actually turning ......... people.

(a) away
(b) into
(c) down
(d) up

Test No. incompl/inter-33 "Story (2)", answer 3

In fact they were actually turning away people.

Correct answer: (a) away

Your answer was: incorrect
In fact they were actually turning down people.
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how do i know when to use turning away and turning down , i hope you could help me

[Alan]

Turn away here means telling people they must go away/go home.

Turn down means refuse what people are offering.
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Phrasal Verbs/take