Turn something inside out

verb

To turn an object so that its inner part is outside and its outer part is inside.

She turned the shirt inside out to check the seams
Visual representation of "turn something inside out" - To turn an object so that its inner part is outside and its outer part is inside

Often appears as...

  • turn a shirt inside out
  • turn a bag inside out
verb

To thoroughly examine or investigate something.

The police turned his house inside out during the search
Visual representation of "turn something inside out" - To thoroughly examine or investigate something

Often appears as...

  • turn house inside out
  • turn room inside out
verb

To cause a great deal of disorder or confusion.

The sudden resignation of the CEO turned the company inside out
Visual representation of "turn something inside out" - To cause a great deal of disorder or confusion

Often appears as...

  • turn life inside out
  • turn world inside out
verb

To deeply, emotionally affect somebody.

Her parents' divorce really turned her inside out
Visual representation of "turn something inside out" - To deeply, emotionally affect somebody

Often appears as...

  • turn heart inside out
  • turn feelings inside out

Usage tips

Colloquial

verb

To turn an object so that its inner part is outside and its outer part is inside.

She turned the shirt inside out to check the seams
Visual representation of "turn something inside out" - To turn an object so that its inner part is outside and its outer part is inside

Often appears as...

  • turn a shirt inside out
  • turn a bag inside out
verb

To thoroughly examine or investigate something.

The police turned his house inside out during the search
Visual representation of "turn something inside out" - To thoroughly examine or investigate something

Often appears as...

  • turn house inside out
  • turn room inside out
verb

To cause a great deal of disorder or confusion.

The sudden resignation of the CEO turned the company inside out
Visual representation of "turn something inside out" - To cause a great deal of disorder or confusion

Often appears as...

  • turn life inside out
  • turn world inside out
verb

To deeply, emotionally affect somebody.

Her parents' divorce really turned her inside out
Visual representation of "turn something inside out" - To deeply, emotionally affect somebody

Often appears as...

  • turn heart inside out
  • turn feelings inside out

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "turn something inside out"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Physical Action

Used when physically flipping an item to reveal its opposite side.

Illustration for Physical Action
I turned the cushion inside out to clean it.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Clothing Care

Common when discussing laundry or care for clothing items.

Illustration for Clothing Care
Always turn your jeans inside out before washing.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Physical Action

Used when physically flipping an item to reveal its opposite side.

Illustration for Physical Action
I turned the cushion inside out to clean it.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Clothing Care

Common when discussing laundry or care for clothing items.

Illustration for Clothing Care
Always turn your jeans inside out before washing.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Physical Action

Used when physically flipping an item to reveal its opposite side.

Illustration for Physical Action
I turned the cushion inside out to clean it.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Clothing Care

Common when discussing laundry or care for clothing items.

Illustration for Clothing Care
Always turn your jeans inside out before washing.
Visual representation of the word "Turn something inside out"

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