1 C1 idiomatic slang
To emotionally withdraw and become unresponsive or uncommunicative, especially under stress or during conflict.
"Whenever they argued, he would turtle up and refuse to discuss his feelings."
inseparable
turtle up
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
To withdraw emotionally or socially, pulling back into a self-protective shell.
In plain English
Pull away from others and hide your feelings, like a turtle going into its shell.
What does "turtle up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
A turtle pulling its limbs and head up into its protective shell.
Actually means
Pull away from others and hide your feelings, like a turtle going into its shell.
Usage tip
Informal, mainly American slang. Often used to describe emotional withdrawal during conflict or stress. More common in spoken language and online communities than in formal writing.
Words that pair with "turtle up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
emotionally under pressure when stressed socially
How to conjugate "turtle up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
turtle up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
turtles up
he/she/it
Past simple
turtled up
yesterday
Past participle
turtled up
have + pp
-ing form
turtling up
continuous
Hear "turtle up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "turtle up"
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