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.

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 Thornbury, Walter

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

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 Crane, Laura Dent

We'll sink or turn turtle again and again!

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

Her tail rose, and she started, with dreadful deliberateness, to turn turtle.

From The Trail of the Hawk A Comedy of the Seriousness of Life by Lewis, Sinclair