1 C1 idiomatic slang
To adopt a defensive or passive position, avoiding confrontation or risk.
"When the market became volatile, the investors decided to turtle down and hold cash."
inseparable
turtle down
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
To retreat into a defensive position, withdrawing from engagement or risk.
In plain English
Pull back like a turtle going into its shell to stay safe.
What does "turtle down" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
A turtle pulling its head and limbs into its shell and lowering itself.
Actually means
Pull back like a turtle going into its shell to stay safe.
Usage tip
Niche slang, particularly in gaming communities and some American informal speech. Derives from the image of a turtle retreating into its shell. Not widely known outside specific communities.
Words that pair with "turtle down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
defensively shell position risk market
How to conjugate "turtle down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
turtle down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
turtles down
he/she/it
Past simple
turtled down
yesterday
Past participle
turtled down
have + pp
-ing form
turtling down
continuous
Hear "turtle down" in the wild
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Other ways to say "turtle down"
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