The term 'switch sides' can be broken down into four separate crossword solutions: ONS (3 letters), TURNOVER (8 letters), DEFECT (6 letters), and TURNTRAITOR (11 letters). ONS stands for 'overtaken by events, ' which means that something has become outdated or irrelevant. TURNOVER is a term used to describe the rate at which a company's employees leave and new ones are hired. DEFECT is a term used to describe someone who leaves one group or organization to join another. Finally, TURNTRAITOR is a term used to describe someone who switches sides from one group or organization to another. All of these terms relate to the phrase 'switch sides, ' which generally means to change allegiances or loyalties.