turn (something) 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.

turn someone or something inside out

to evert someone or something; to pull the inside of someone or something out to become the outside. (With people, this refers to mutilation.) I felt like the explosion was going to turn me inside out. Ken turned his pockets inside out.
See also: inside, out, turn

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.

turn something inside out

1 turn the inner surface of something outwards. 2 change something utterly.
2 2002 New Republic My every preconception about Renaissance tapestry had been turned inside out.
See also: inside, out, something, turn
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

turn something ˌinside ˈout/ˌupside ˈdown


1 make a place very untidy when you are searching for something: I’ve turned this drawer inside out but I can’t find my passport. The thieves turned the office upside down but they didn’t find anything valuable.
2 cause large changes: The new manager turned the old systems inside out.
See also: down, inside, out, something, turn, upside
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a crack at (someone or something)
  • a straw will show which way the wind blows
  • a/the feel of (something)
  • (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
  • all right
  • (you) wanna make something of it?
  • all for the best
  • a thing of the past
  • a slew of (something)
  • a bird in the hand