turn turtle

verb5

1. •
   Especially of a boat or ship, or some other vehicle: to turn upside down.

   • Gymnastics of every description, even the Kroo canoe afforded its mite towards the general hilarity, by turning turtle with the awkward aspirants for paddling fame. — 1847
2. •
   To roll upside down with one's surfboard (usually a longboard) to allow a wave, especially a wave that has already broken, to pass over.
3. •
   (old-fashioned) To become upset.
4. •
   (figurative) To fail; to go belly up.
5. •
   (historical) To capture a turtle by turning it onto its back.

   • No ships' crews are now allowed to turn turtle, which is converted into a government monopoly; and two pounds ten shillings is the fixed price for each. — 1837