turn turtle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The warning came none too soon, for a gust of wind hit the biplane and all but made it "turn turtle," as the saying goes.

From The Rover Boys in the Air From College Campus to the Clouds by Stratemeyer, Edward

Iron, coffins our ships, Davy's wictims our men; In wessels unsteady, We're ready, aye ready, To sink or turn turtle again and again!

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 105, September 9, 1893 by Various

They knew not the instant the Kansas might lift again and turn turtle, yet they did not dream of deviating a hair's breadth from their duties.

From The Captain of the Kansas by Tracy, Louis

If he deviated a hair's breadth at that speed he'd turn turtle.

From El Diablo by Groesbeck, Dan Sayre

Let me get there," insisted Ned, "you may take a kink somewhere and make us turn turtle.

From Dorothy Dale at Glenwood School by Penrose, Margaret