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

However, the takeover by the Taliban in August 2021 turns the lives of the three women upside down. —Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024

According to Olaplex, turn the bottle upside down and tap it to dispense a measured drop. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024

In one inscription, Hickman’s name is written upside down. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024

And despite every update that comes through our phones, offering up the promise of an ever-changing technological world, a basic yellow frown turned upside down always does the trick. —David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 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