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

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

Being almost hove short, the ship could not rise quickly enough to the seas, and was besides rolling so much that she threatened to turn turtle every minute.

From A Modern Buccaneer by Boldrewood, Rolf

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 Strang, Herbert

With such a wind sucking under them might have made the boat turn turtle, Mrs. Calvert, don’t you know?

From Dorothy on a House Boat by Raymond, Evelyn