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.

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

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)

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

Almost every man aboard was thrown to the deck, and the vessel heeled over to starboard until it seemed she must turn turtle.

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

It would never have been believed two years ago that ships like the Cressy, Aboukir, and Hogue would turn turtle a few minutes after a single blow from a torpedo.

From The Story of the Great War, Volume I (of 8) Introductions; Special Articles; Causes of War; Diplomatic and State Papers by Churchill, Allen L. (Allen Leon)