roll in one's grave
Deceased's horrified reaction
To roll in one's grave is what the dead would supposedly do if they knew about something happening now—expressing disapproval or horror from beyond: My grandmother would roll in her grave if she saw this mess.
The image suggests the deceased spinning in distress at how things have turned out.
Also *turn over in one's grave*.
- turning overRotating to opposite side
- ethical breachViolation of moral standards
- gone too farExceeded acceptable bounds
- sell outBetray one's values
- moral outrageAnger at wrongdoing
rise from the dead · literary device · poetic justice · desecration · posthumous · disgrace · betrayal · legacy · family name · ancestors · good old days · old school