turn turtle

Idioms and Phrases

Capsize, turn upside down, as in When they collided, the car turned turtle . This expression alludes to the helplessness of a turtle turned on its back, where its shell can no longer protect it. [First half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

She careened so badly that the girls shrieked and Malcolm himself thought she would turn turtle.

From Project Gutenberg

How she didn't turn turtle is known only to Allah and Maturin; and One is great and the other's a damned fine sailor.

From Project Gutenberg

Almost every man aboard was thrown to the deck, and the vessel heeled over to starboard until it seemed she must turn turtle.

From Project Gutenberg

Jim felt she was about to turn turtle and promptly threw himself on to the edge of the car, endeavouring to weigh her down.

From Project Gutenberg

Let the ship turn turtle and go down, and at least the pang is over.

From Project Gutenberg