topsy-turvy

The definition of topsy-turvy is upside down or not in order.

(adjective)

An example of topsy-turvy is when you had carefully-made plans and they got messed up at the last minute and everyone is running every which way with no idea where to go.

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See topsy-turvy in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adverb, adjective

  1. upside down; in a reversed condition
  2. in confusion or disorder

Origin: earlier topsy-tervy, prob. < top, highest part + ME terven, to roll

noun

  1. a topsy-turvy condition; inverted state
  2. a state of confusion

Related Forms:

See topsy-turvy in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adverb
  1. With the top downward and the bottom up; upside-down.
  2. In or into a state of utter disorder or confusion: “turning our ordered life topsy-turvy” (Anne Tyler).
adjective top·sy-tur·vi·er, top·sy-tur·vi·est
  1. Turned or positioned upside down; inverted.
  2. Confused or disordered.
noun pl. top·sy-tur·vies
The quality or condition of being topsy-turvy.

Origin:

Origin: Probably from top1

Origin: + obsolete terve, to overturn (from Middle English terven)

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Related Forms:

  • topˌsy-turˈvi·ly adverb
  • topˌsy-turˈvi·ness noun

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