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.

You see, the boat is top-heavy, owing to the cabin superstructure, and it wouldn't be impossible for her to turn turtle in a heavy sea.

From The Chauffeur and the Chaperon by Anderson, Karl

Herein lay real danger, for if the deck-load of ashes grew too heavy the Bear might turn turtle.

From The Boy With the U. S. Life-Savers by Rolt-Wheeler, Francis

If he deviated a hair's breadth at that speed he'd turn turtle.

From El Diablo by Groesbeck, Dan Sayre

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

I don't know, but perhaps the minute I get some wind in the sail the whole outfit will turn turtle.

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