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

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

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

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

For one giddy moment Mr. A. Bubble appeared to be uncertain whether to turn turtle or go on the way he was headed.

From The Automobile Girls at Chicago or, Winning Out Against Heavy Odds by Laura Dent Crane

More than once, as the wind changed a point, it seemed that the cranky craft must turn turtle.

From In Clive's Command A Story of the Fight for India by Herbert Strang