Usage Note
Culbute refers to a forward roll or head-over-heels tumble, typically playful or accidental. The verb culbuter means to tumble, topple, or knock over. In financial slang, faire la culbute means to double one's money — a vivid metaphor for a business turning a profit by flipping goods.
Examples
"L'enfant a fait une culbute sur le gazon."
Natural Translation
The child did a somersault on the lawn.

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