overturn

Everyday

1. To overturn is to turn over, or make something turn over, so the bottom is on top: the boat overturned. tree →
2. (law) To overturn a decision is to change it officially and say it was wrong: the judge overturned the ruling. tree →
3. To overturn an idea is to show it is wrong or replace it. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and news: overturned boats, cars or tables. In law and citizenship: overturning a verdict or a ban. In science: new discoveries can overturn old ideas. In the Bible: Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers in the Temple.

Examples

• The canoe overturned and we fell into the lake. tree →
• The wind overturned our tent. tree →
• Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers. tree →
• The court overturned the unfair decision. tree →
• The lorry overturned on the motorway. tree →
• New fossils overturned the old idea. tree →

Note

Past: overturned. Similar: capsize (for boats), tip over, knock over. In law the opposite is uphold (keep the decision).

In Jewish tradition

In Job, God holds back the waters and then sends them out, so that they overturn the earth.

Interpretation. Tradition reads it as showing God's total power over nature, who can both hold back and release.

Examples

• Behold, He withholdeth the waters, and they dry up; also He sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth. (Writings JOB.12.15, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past: overturned. Similar: capsize (for boats), tip over, knock over. In law the opposite is uphold (keep the decision).