He will turn turtle if you criticize his work.
turn turtle
idiomTo become upset.
Origin
disputed originPossibly from the fact that turning a turtle and placing it on its back renders it helpless.
She tends to turn turtle whenever the project schedule changes without any warning.
The director is known to turn turtle at the slightest hint of dissent, often shutting down meetings before any real progress occurs.
- 01
Buggins's turn
A humorous, disparaging term for the appointment of a person by rotation or promotion, on the basis of length of service (it being that person's "turn") rather than merit or level of qualification.
- 02
everything one touches turns to gold
Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.
- 03
everything one touches turns to shit
Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.
- 04
good turn
A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.
- 05
left turn
An unexpected change from the way things seemed to be going.
- 06
poacher turned gamekeeper
A person now charged with protecting what they formerly preyed upon.
- 07
serve the turn
To suffice for one's immediate purpose or need.
- 08
star turn
An acting performance which causes the performer to become renowned.
Last updated April 17, 2026