turn turtle

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

turn turtle

If they found their prize not seaworthy, they would take her to some small sand island and careen, while the crew helped the Indians to turn turtle, and to procure bull's flesh.

From The Monarchs of the Main, Volume I (of 3) Or, Adventures of the Buccaneers by Walter Thornbury

It would never have been believed two years ago that ships like the Cressy, Aboukir, and Hogue would turn turtle a few minutes after a single blow from a torpedo.

From The Story of the Great War, Volume I (of 8) Introductions; Special Articles; Causes of War; Diplomatic and State Papers by Allen L. (Allen Leon) Churchill

The same terrific force gave the steamer a lurch, and she threatened to turn turtle.

From The Boys of the Wireless by Frank V. Webster

I don't know, but perhaps the minute I get some wind in the sail the whole outfit will turn turtle.

From The Battleship Boys' First Step Upward or, Winning Their Grades as Petty Officers by Frank Gee Patchin

We hope his prophecy may be realised, but we cannot help wondering what would happen if his aeroplane were to turn turtle on the way.

From Punch, or The London Charivari, Vol. 150, May 31, 1916 by Various

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