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to turn the tables
01
to quickly turn a disadvantageous circumstance into a beneficial one
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "turn the tables" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "turn the tables" can be traced to board games like backgammon or card games where a player can literally turn the game board or table to their advantage. Over time, the phrase became metaphorical, signifying a change in power, control, or fortune.
Example
The only question is whether the President can use his extraordinary political skills to turn the tables on his opponents.
The plaintiff ’s lawyer turned the tables this morning by producing some strong new evidence.
