topsy-turvy Definition
topsy-turvy (täp′sē tʉr′vē)
adverb, adjective
- upside down; in a reversed condition
- in confusion or disorder
Etymology: earlier topsy-tervy, prob. < top, highest part + ME terven, to roll
noun
- a topsy-turvy condition; inverted state
- a state of confusion
topsy-turvy Related Forms
topsy-turvy Synonyms
topsy-turvy
modif.
Antonyms
topsy-turvy Usage Examples
Converse of object
go: As in much of the world, Canada is seeing its weather go topsy-turvy.
Modifies a noun
- world: Now such public service is in danger of becoming unlawful in the topsy-turvy world of British politics.
- encounter: Their topsy-turvy encounter saw Davidson come out on top 10-12, 9-11, 11-9, 14-12, 11-7.
- match: Meanwhile, first year student, Joel Hinds was involved in a topsy-turvy match with Ben Ford.
- season: A tempting memento for any rugby fan from a topsy-turvy season.
- game: In a topsy-turvy game, he had four different types of chances and took them all to give Leeds a 4-3 victory.
- time: It's in contrast to the topsy-turvy times with her last boyfriend, the two-timing gadabout and male model James Gooding.
Used with adjective complement
turn: Behind him, huge clouds of an almost impossible purple turned slowly topsy-turvy in the silent anarchy of heaven.
Browse dictionary entries near topsy-turvy
- ‹ topstitching
- ‹ topspin
- ‹ topsoil
- ‹ Topsider
- ‹ topside
- ‹ topsail
- ‹ tops
- ‹ topple
- ‹ topping
- ‹ topper
- toque ›
- toque blanche ›
- tor ›
- torah ›
- torch ›
- torch song ›
- torchbearer ›
- torchier ›
- torchlight ›
- torchon lace ›

