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]

---

Example Sentences

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

From The Boys of the Wireless by Webster, Frank V.

Herein lay real danger, for if the deck-load of ashes grew too heavy the Bear might turn turtle.

From The Boy With the U. S. Life-Savers by Rolt-Wheeler, Francis

In this nasty sea we were afraid she might turn turtle, as another steamer had done some months ago.

From Two Years with the Natives in the Western Pacific by Speiser, Felix

And, after the manner of such eccentric craft, the canvas shell proceeded to turn turtle.

From Lad: A Dog by Terhune, Albert Payson

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 Churchill, Allen L. (Allen Leon)