Meaning
To flip over or capsize, particularly referring to boats or ships overturning so that their hulls face upward, like a turtle lying on its back.
Figuratively, it can also describe a situation where something is turned upside down or disrupted.
For instance:
- A small boat can “turn turtle” in rough waters.
- A business might “turn turtle” if it collapses under financial strain.
Sentence Examples
- The sailboat turned turtle during the storm, leaving the crew stranded in the water.
- After hitting the icy patch, the car skidded and nearly turned turtle on the highway.
- The once-thriving company turned turtle when it failed to adapt to market changes.
- The raft turned turtle as the river’s strong current pulled it into the rapids.
- His plans for the weekend turned turtle when his flight was suddenly canceled.
Turn Turtle Synonyms
Here are some synonyms or similar phrases for “turn turtle”, depending on the context:
Literal (capsizing or overturning):
- Capsize
- Overturn
- Flip over
- Upset
- Roll over
Figurative (failure or collapse):
- Fall apart
- Collapse
- Flop
- Go belly-up
- Hit rock bottom