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.

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

Of course I may be struck by lightning tomorrow, or the car may turn turtle when we go down to be married, but I refuse to contemplate anything of the sort.

From Black Oxen by Atherton, Gertrude Franklin Horn

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

From Lad: A Dog by Terhune, Albert Payson

Q. But do not the iron-clads comprising this fleet frequently turn turtle?

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

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