Turn turtle Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Nautical Origin Originating from sailing, where 'turtle' refers to a boat flipping like a turtle shell. After being hit by a rogue wave, their boat turned turtle. Pro Tip 2/3Complete Overturn Emphasizes a complete flip, meaning the underside becomes the top. During the storm, we watched in horror as the caravan turned turtle. Pro Tip 3/3Sudden Event Indicates an abrupt incident, often accidental and surprising. I swerved to avoid the dog, and the car nearly turned turtle.