Turn in his/her grave
phrase
A phrase used to express the idea that a deceased person would be unhappy or upset if they knew about a specific occurrence or change.
If your grandfather knew how much you are neglecting his beloved garden, he would turn in his grave.
Often appears as...
- he would turn in his grave
- she would turn in her grave
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
An expression suggesting that a particular action or event would very much upset someone who has died.
Spending that much money on a car would make your frugal dad turn in his grave.
Often appears as...
- would make him turn in his grave
- would make her turn in her grave
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
A phrase used to express the idea that a deceased person would be unhappy or upset if they knew about a specific occurrence or change.
If your grandfather knew how much you are neglecting his beloved garden, he would turn in his grave.
Often appears as...
- he would turn in his grave
- she would turn in her grave
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
An expression suggesting that a particular action or event would very much upset someone who has died.
Spending that much money on a car would make your frugal dad turn in his grave.
Often appears as...
- would make him turn in his grave
- would make her turn in her grave
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Imagery
The phrase evokes a vivid metaphor of disturbance beyond death, emphasizing strong disapproval.
Building a mall over the historic park would have him turning in his grave.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Intensity
Used for scenarios that greatly contrast deceased individuals' values or beliefs.
Seeing the old traditions forgotten, our ancestors would turn in their graves.
Pro Tip 3/3Respect and Legacy
It implies a legacy or moral stance as being compromised, leading to the figurative 'grave turning'.
Her turning the family business into a franchise would have her father turning in his grave.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Imagery
The phrase evokes a vivid metaphor of disturbance beyond death, emphasizing strong disapproval.
Building a mall over the historic park would have him turning in his grave.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Intensity
Used for scenarios that greatly contrast deceased individuals' values or beliefs.
Seeing the old traditions forgotten, our ancestors would turn in their graves.
Pro Tip 3/3Respect and Legacy
It implies a legacy or moral stance as being compromised, leading to the figurative 'grave turning'.
Her turning the family business into a franchise would have her father turning in his grave.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Imagery
The phrase evokes a vivid metaphor of disturbance beyond death, emphasizing strong disapproval.
Building a mall over the historic park would have him turning in his grave.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Intensity
Used for scenarios that greatly contrast deceased individuals' values or beliefs.
Seeing the old traditions forgotten, our ancestors would turn in their graves.
Pro Tip 3/3Respect and Legacy
It implies a legacy or moral stance as being compromised, leading to the figurative 'grave turning'.
Her turning the family business into a franchise would have her father turning in his grave.
Never forget "Turn in his/her grave"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension