turn turtle

• Volcar o dar la vuelta quedando boca abajo, especialmente un barco, vehículo u otra embarcación; también se usa en sentido figurado para describir a alguien o algo que queda indefenso o inactivo.

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.

   zozobrar

   • 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.

   volverse pasivo / replegarse

   • 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.