turn some place inside out

turn (something) inside out

1. To turn the inside part or surface of something outward; to reverse something. I was in such a rush this morning that I didn't even notice that I had turned my shirt inside out before putting it on.

2. To carefully examine or search a particular place or thing, especially when creating a mess or disorder in the process. I turned the entire house inside out looking for my passport. Federal agents turned the suspect's car inside out in their search for incriminating evidence.

3. To affect or alter something completely or very dramatically. Being rejected from my top choice of university really turned my whole world inside out.

See also: inside, out, turn

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

turn some place inside out

Fig. to search some place thoroughly. I will find that book if I have to turn this place inside out! I turned the room inside out and still didn't find it.

See also: inside, out, place, turn

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.