turning the tables

Flipping the dynamic

Turning the tables is reversing a situation to gain the advantage, especially against someone who previously had the upper hand.

The phrase evokes board games where literally rotating the table would swap positions: After trailing all game, they scored twice and turned the tables.

Often appears as turn the tables on: She turned the tables on her accusers by revealing their own misconduct.

retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
sweet revengeGratifying retaliation
getting evenReciprocating a wrong
countermoveResponding strategic action
reversalComplete change of direction

poetic justice · upset · underdog victory · pivot · overturning · counterattack · game-changer · changing the game · comeback · last laugh · gambit · coup · rally · flip · overthrow · power shift · shift · plot twist

Opposites

power reversal

turning the tablesdoubling down

Strengthening a risky commitment

piling on · staying ahead · holding all the cards

response to adversity

turning the tablessurrendering

Ceasing to resist

giving up · capitulating · throwing in the towel · admitting defeat · conceding

Family

turn, turns, turned, turner, turners, turning, turnings, returnable, return

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G