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

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

From Lad: A Dog by Terhune, Albert Payson

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

From The Red Year A Story of the Indian Mutiny by Tracy, Louis

His boat would "turn turtle" or be cut in two by the craft behind.

From El Diablo by Groesbeck, Dan Sayre

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.

He felt the sampan turn turtle under him, and in another second he was shot into the dark, fierce current, and felt the waters close over his head.

From Jack Haydon's Quest by Jellicoe, John