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Region: General | Usage example: They turned the tables during the negotiation.

Turn the tables

Meaning

Reverse a situation to gain advantage.

Usage

Used when fortunes change unexpectedly.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Board game imagery where flipping the board switches control.

Used since at least the 17th century to describe reversals.

Related Idioms

Turn the tide

Reverse the direction of events.

Turn over a new leaf

Make a fresh start or change behavior for the better.

Turn a blind eye

Pretend not to notice something objectionable.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.