turtle down
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To shrink (to cower or flinch).
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
As soon as he entered the haunted house, he turtled down into his jacket.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “turtle down” mean?
To shrink (to cower or flinch).
Is “turtle down” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.