to twist a report or story to one's advantage; to interpret an event to make it seem favorable or beneficial to oneself or one's cause. The mayor tried to put a positive spin on the damaging polls.The pundit's spin on the new legislation was highly critical.
Give a certain meaning or interpretation to. Spin is usually modified by an adjective in this expression, as in Robert was adept at putting positive spin on weak financial reports, or This chef has put a new spin on seafood dishes. Also see spin doctor. [1980s]