Turn over in one's grave meaning

The phrase "turn over in one's grave" refers to the idea that a deceased person would be deeply disturbed by something happening in the present.


Turn over in one's grave definitions

Word backwards nrut revo ni s'eno evarg
Part of speech This phrase is a verb phrase.
Syllabic division turn o-ver in one's grave
Plural The plural of the phrase "turn over in one's grave" would be "turns over in one's grave."
Total letters 19
Vogais (5) u,o,e,i,a
Consonants (6) t,r,n,v,s,g

Understanding Turn Over in One's Grave

When we talk about someone "turning over in their grave," we are referring to the idea that a deceased person would be greatly disturbed or upset by something that is happening in the present. It is a figurative expression that implies that the dead can somehow be aware of what is happening in the world and would be so displeased by it that they would actually turn over in their grave.

The Origins of the Phrase

This phrase dates back to the 1800s and is often used to highlight the idea that the deceased would be rolling in their grave due to a particular action or event. It is a way to emphasize how shocking or scandalous something is, suggesting that even those who have passed away would be affected by it.

Examples of Usage

People often use this expression in conversations about politics, moral values, or societal changes. For example, if a staunch environmentalist learned that a forest was being cut down for commercial purposes, they might say, "They would be turning over in their grave if they knew." It's a way to emphasize the extent of the disappointment or disapproval someone would feel about a particular situation.

Impact on Culture and Society

This expression reflects a belief that the dead continue to have a presence in the world and are somehow connected to the events and actions of the living. It speaks to the enduring legacy that people leave behind and the ways in which their values and beliefs shape the world even after they are gone.

In conclusion, the phrase "turn over in one's grave" is a powerful way to convey the idea that the deceased would be deeply troubled by something happening in the present. It serves as a reminder of the lasting impact individuals have on the world and how their values and principles can continue to influence society long after they have passed on.


Turn over in one's grave Examples

  1. Her conservative grandfather would turn over in his grave if he saw her new bright pink hair.
  2. I'm sure Shakespeare is turning over in his grave at the thought of how his words are sometimes misquoted today.
  3. The founding fathers of the country would turn over in their graves if they saw the current state of politics.
  4. My great-grandmother would turn over in her grave if she knew we were using her antique china for everyday meals.
  5. The environmentalist's grandmother would turn over in her grave if she saw all the plastic waste he was producing.
  6. The inventor of the smartphone would turn over in his grave if he saw how addicted people are to their devices.
  7. The civil rights leader would turn over in his grave if he saw the current state of racial inequality.
  8. The famous chef would turn over in her grave if she knew her famous recipe was being altered and passed off as original.
  9. The artist would turn over in his grave at the sight of his masterpiece being used as a dartboard.
  10. The teacher would turn over in his grave if he saw his former students failing to use proper grammar.


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  • Updated 15/06/2024 - 23:10:32