keel over

The phrase "keel over" is commonly used to describe sudden collapse, fainting, or a boat capsizing.

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Definition

B2General

(informal)To fall over suddenly, often due to losing balance or consciousness.

Example

He keeled over from exhaustion after the marathon.
The old chair keeled over when I sat on it.

C1Nautical

(technical)To capsize or turn upside down in the water.

Example

The sailboat keeled over in the stormy weather.
The crew managed to escape before the ship keeled over.

B2General

(informal)To collapse or faint, often due to illness or extreme conditions.

Example

She keeled over from the intense heat.
After hearing the shocking news, he keeled over in disbelief.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "keel over":

fall over fall down pass out fall down on fall off one's perch conk out knock over go belly-up fall off take a tumble on keel bowl over fall on kick the bucket fall to the ground off keel fall to fall together fall flat on one's face fall into oneself die on one's arse fall in fall out