
Turn turtle
Nautical 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.
Complete Overturn
Emphasizes a complete flip, meaning the underside becomes the top.
During the storm, we watched in horror as the caravan turned turtle.
Sudden Event
Indicates an abrupt incident, often accidental and surprising.
I swerved to avoid the dog, and the car nearly turned turtle.