PhrasesHub

Turn the tables

    Definitions

      • reverse a situation
        To change a situation so that one's position or fortune is the opposite of what it was

      • retaliate
        To retaliate or get revenge on someone by putting them in the same position they put you in

    Examples of Turn the tables

    • In a heated argument, Sarah suddenly turned the tables on her opponent by bringing up a past mistake that she had previously overlooked.

      Sarah shifted the focus of the argument by bringing up a previous wrongdoing by her opponent. This unexpected move put her opponent on the defensive and turned the course of the argument in Sarah's favor.

    • After being accused of embezzlement, the CEO of the company turned the tables by revealing that the accuser had actually been the one who had stolen funds from the company's account.

      By exposing the true culprit, the CEO was able to shift the blame and clear his own name. This unexpected twist in the investigation turned the tables on the accuser and exposed their own wrongdoing.

    • During a board meeting, the CFO presented a proposal that was met with resistance from the other board members. In response, she turned the tables by arguing that the proposal would actually benefit the company and proposed a compromise that addressed some of the board members' concerns.

      By presenting a counterargument and revealing the benefits of her proposal, the CFO was able to turn the tables and persuade the other board members to support her proposal.

    • In a criminal trial, the defense lawyer turned the tables by cross-examining the prosecution's key witness and revealing inconsistencies in their testimony.

      By exposing the weaknesses in the prosecution's case, the defense lawyer was able to shift the focus of the trial and make the prosecution's case appear weaker. This unexpected move turned the tables on the prosecution and put the burden of proof back on them.

    • In a heated business negotiation, Sarah noticed that the other party was trying to threaten her with unfavorable terms. She quickly turned the tables by bringing up some of their past mistakes and highlighting how her company could potentially help them correct those errors.

      "Turning the tables" in this context means switching the power dynamic and gaining the upper hand by changing the focus of the discussion from a disadvantageous position to a more advantageous one. Sarah was able to turn the tables on her opponent by using their past errors against them, making them more willing to negotiate more favorable terms.

    • In a job interview, the candidate turned the tables on the interviewer by asking incisive questions about the company's future plans and strategies, making the interviewer feel as though they were being interviewed instead.

      The phrase "turn the tables" essentially means to reverse the roles or expectations in a situation. In this case, the candidate subverted the traditional power dynamic of a job interview by taking control of the conversation and making the interviewer defend their company's position. It's a clever move that shows the candidate's confidence and ability to think on their feet.

    • After weeks of being harassed by a bully at school, the victim finally turned the tables by confronting the bully and standing up for themselves.

      Here, "turn the tables" is being used in a more literal way, as the victim turns the situation around by taking a bold, assertive stance. This example illustrates the transformative power of confidence and courage in overcoming negative situations.

    • In a heated argument, Sarah turned the tables on her brother by reminding him of the many times he had acted similarly towards her in the past, putting him in a position of defensiveness and guilt.

      In this instance, Sarah has used her knowledge of the past to shift the focus of the argument onto her brother's behavior, making him confront his own actions instead. It's a clever tactic for resolving conflicts and defusing tense situations.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "turn the tables" is used to describe the act of reversing a situation or retaliating. It can be used in various contexts, whether it's in a game, a competition, or in a personal conflict. When someone "turns the tables," they are essentially changing the dynamic of the situation in their favor or seeking retribution for a previous action.

    This idiom is often used to describe a sudden and unexpected change in fortune or power. It can also be used to convey the idea of seeking justice or getting even with someone. In any case, "turning the tables" implies a significant shift in the dynamics of a situation, typically in one's own favor.

    Origin of "Turn the tables"

    The origin of the idiom "turn the tables" dates back to ancient Roman times. The phrase is believed to have originated from the practice of tabula lusoria, a game similar to modern-day backgammon, where the tables were literally turned to change the course of the game. Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass the idea of reversing a situation or gaining an advantage.

    In the context of retaliation, the idiom may have also been influenced by historical instances of military strategy, where commanders would turn the tables on their opponents to gain the upper hand in battle. Overall, the origins of "turn the tables" can be traced back to both game playing and strategic maneuvering, reflecting the timeless human desire to change the course of events in one's favor.