Expected many to turn east (3)
I believe the answer is:
due
'expected' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'many to turn east' is the wordplay.
'many' becomes 'd' ().
'to turn' becomes 'U' (a 'U-turn' is a kind of turn).
'east' becomes 'e' (synonyms).
'd'+'u'+'e'='DUE'
(Other definitions for due that I've seen before include "Unpaid or expected" , "Proper, appropriate" , "Expected; proper" , "Escort" , "Expected, scheduled" .)