topsy-turvily

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English

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Etymology

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From topsy-turvy +‎ -ly.

Adverb

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topsy-turvily (comparative more topsy-turvily, superlative most topsy-turvily)

  1. In a topsy-turvy manner, chaotically.
    • 1920, Mabel Wood Martin, chapter 7, in The Green God’s Pavilion[1], New York: Frederick A. Stokes, page 92:
      You frighten me a little by the order that is all through you. Even your sins appear to have unity, whereas I keep house topsy-turvily in my innermost being.
    • 1940, Emma Orczy, chapter 14, in Mam’zelle Guillotine[2], London: Hodder & Stoughton:
      While groping her way about, Eve barked her shins against pieces of furniture that seemed to be lying topsy-turvily about.

Translations

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