keel over

verb

1. to turn upside down; capsize
2. informal.
   intr to collapse suddenly

Idioms and Phrases

Collapse, as if in a faint; also, faint. For example, When she heard the awful news, she keeled over . This term alludes to a vessel rolling on its keel and capsizing. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Not long afterward I saw her keel over, break in two and disappear.

From Project Gutenberg

That fool of a country doctor tells me if I'm not careful what I eat I'll keel over pretty soon.

From Project Gutenberg

Theyll turn tail, and run a little way off after the crash of the gun inside here and seeing their mate keel over.

From Project Gutenberg

Three shells struck the Bouvet, and she soon began to keel over.

From Project Gutenberg

His knees were shaking under him, and he knew that if he stayed another minute on this street he would keel over where he stood.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• pass out