turn turtle

• Перевернуться вверх дном или опрокинуться, обычно используется для лодок, кораблей или транспортных средств; также используется в переносном смысле для описания кого-то или чего-то, ставшего беспомощным или бездействующим.

To turn upside down or capsize, typically used for boats, ships, or vehicles; also used figuratively to describe someone or something that becomes helpless or inactive.

1. Capsize or overturnB2informal

   To turn upside down or capsize, typically used for boats or vehicles.

   Перевернуться вверх дном

   • The small boat turned turtle in the stormy sea.
   • The car hit a patch of ice and turned turtle on the road.
   • The kayak turned turtle when he lost his balance.

2. Become passive or inactiveC1informal

   To become passive, withdraw, or stop being active, like a turtle retreating into its shell.

   Уйти в себя

   • After the argument, he turned turtle and refused to speak.
   • The company turned turtle during the economic crisis.
   • She turned turtle and avoided all social events.