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 San Martin, losing steerage way, was rolling horribly in the trough of the sea; any instant she might turn turtle.

From The Nameless Island A Story of some Modern Robinson Crusoes by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

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

From Lad: A Dog by Terhune, Albert Payson

The schooner heeled until the lad was sure that she was going to turn turtle.

From The Battleship Boys' First Step Upward or, Winning Their Grades as Petty Officers by Patchin, Frank Gee

At any moment the West Barbican might turn turtle.

From The Wireless Officer by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

In this nasty sea we were afraid she might turn turtle, as another steamer had done some months ago.

From Two Years with the Natives in the Western Pacific by Speiser, Felix