Definition of Turn turtle

1. Verb. Overturn accidentally. "Don't rock the boat or it will capsize!"

Exact synonyms: Capsize, Turtle
Generic synonyms: Overturn, Tip Over, Tump Over, Turn Over

Definition of Turn turtle

1. Verb. To turn upside down. Commonly used for boats and ships that capsize and turn through 180° so their hulls are above their superstructure, but it can refer to any vehicle in a similar position. ¹

2. Verb. (surfing) To roll upside-down with one's surfboard (usually a longboard) to allow a wave (usually an already broken wave) to pass over. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Turn Turtle

turn someone's head
turn tail
turn the air blue
turn the corner
turn the frown upside down
turn the other cheek
turn the page
turn the table
turn the tables
turn the tide
turn thumbs down
turn to
turn to custard
turn to dust
turn turtle (current term)
turn up
turn up for the book
turn up one's nose
turn up the heat
turn up the pressure
turn upside down
turnability
turnable
turnably
turnabout
turnabout is fair play
turnabouts
turnaround
turnaround time

Literary usage of Turn turtle

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. A new pronouncing dictionary of the Spanish and English languages by Mariano Velázquez de la Cadena, Edward Gray, Juan L. Iribas (1902)
"To turn turtle. Zozobrar, volverse hacia arriba el casco de una embarcación. Tuscan [tui'-can], a. Toscano, do Tos- cana.—«. 1. ..."

2. A Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant: Embracing English, American, and Anglo by Albert Barrère, Charles Godfrey Leland (1890)
"turn turtle, to (nautical), to capsize. Turn-up (common), a prize-fight. Also a street fight. I'd describe now to you as ..."

3. The Treasury of Natural History, Or, A Popular Dictionary of Animated Nature by Samuel Maunder (1852)
""No ships' crewe are now allowed to turn Turtle, which is converted into a povem- I ment monopoly ; and two pounds ten ehil- I lings it the fixed price for ..."

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