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topsy-turvy

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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.

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

adverb, adjective

upside down; in a reversed condition
in confusion or disorder

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

noun

a topsy-turvy condition; inverted state
a state of confusion

Related Forms:

topsy-turvily adverb

See topsy-turvy in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adverb

With the top downward and the bottom up; upside-down.
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