Definition

1. Verb:
   • To turn (something) upside down: To invert an object so that its top becomes its bottom. This often implies a deliberate action, such as emptying the contents of a container.
   • To reverse the orientation: To flip something so that its usual or correct position is completely inverted.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cô ấy dốc ngược chai nước để lấy giọt cuối cùng. (She turned the water bottle upside down to get the last drop.)
  • Đừng dốc ngược cái lọ này, nó sẽ bị đổ hết. (Don't turn this jar upside down; everything will spill out.)
  • Bão lớn có thể dốc ngược những chiếc thuyền nhỏ. (A big storm can turn small boats upside down.)

Advanced Usage

• This verb is often used in a figurative sense to describe completely disrupting or overturning a situation, plan, or order.
  • Phán quyết bất ngờ đã dốc ngược mọi kế hoạch của chúng tôi. (The unexpected verdict turned all of our plans upside down.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lật ngược (v): to flip over, to overturn. This is a close synonym but can be more general.

  • Anh ta lật ngược tấm thảm để tìm chìa khóa. (He flipped the rug over to find the key.)

• Đổ ngược (v): to pour out by inverting; often used specifically for liquids.

  • Đổ ngược chai dầu vào chảo. (Turn the oil bottle upside down to pour it into the pan.)

Synonyms

• Invert: to put something in the opposite position or order.
• Upend: to set or turn something on its end or upside down.
• Overturn: to cause to turn over onto the other side or upside down.

Related Idioms

• Dốc ngược dốc xuôi: This phrase emphasizes vigorous or repeated turning upside down and right side up, often in a search.
  • Dốc ngược dốc xuôi cả túi xách mà vẫn không thấy ví. (I turned the bag upside down and inside out but still couldn't find the wallet.)

1. Turn (something) upside down