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.

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

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)

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

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

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