upside down

adverb

up·​side down ˈəp-ˌsīd-ˈdau̇n 

1

: in such a way that the upper and the lower parts are reversed in position

2

: in or into great disorder

turned their world upside down

upside-down

ˈəp-ˌsīd-ˈdau̇n 

adjective

Examples of upside down in a Sentence

You hung the picture upside down!

To remove the plant, turn the pot upside down and tap gently on the bottom to loosen it.

The baby was holding the book upside down.

Recent Examples on the Web

The guy is a genius tech entrepreneur and activist who threatens to turn the global power structure upside down by releasing an algorithm that would make all dark money public. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024

However, Jen’s world is turned upside down by the arrival of a charismatic author named Patrick (played by Desmond Chiam from Joy Ride and Mortal Kombat 2). —Sara Merican, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024

Now, Brown and the players hope to ride his spark and put an end to a maddening string of losses that have turned their season upside down. —Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 8 Dec. 2024

Still haunted by Beetlejuice (Keaton), Lydia’s (Ryder) life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid (Wednesday’s Jenna Ortega), discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English up so doun, from up + so + doun down

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

upside down

adverb

up·​side down ˌəp-ˌsīd-ˈdau̇n 

1

: with the upper part underneath and the lower part on top

2

: in or into great disorder

upside-down adjective

Legal Definition

upside down

adjective

: underwater

upside down mortgages

upside down homes

upside down homeowners