Definition of Turn the tables

1. Verb. Cause a complete reversal of the circumstances. "The tables are turned now that the Republicans are in power!"

Exact synonyms: Turn The Tide
Generic synonyms: Change By Reversal, Reverse, Turn

Definition of Turn the tables

1. Verb. (idiomatic) To reverse a situation, such that the advantage has shifted to the party which was previously disadvantaged. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Turn The Tables

turn out
turn over
turn over a new leaf
turn round
turn signal
turn someone's crank
turn someone's head
turn tail
turn the air blue
turn the corner
turn the frown upside down
turn the other cheek
turn the page
turn the table
turn the tables
turn the tide
turn thumbs down
turn to
turn to custard
turn to dust
turn turtle
turn up
turn up for the book
turn up one's nose
turn up the heat
turn up the pressure
turn upside down
turnability

Literary usage of Turn the tables

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Antiquary by Edward Walford, John Charles Cox, George Latimer Apperson (1884)
"More light, ye knaves ; and turn the tables up. In a vocabulary of the fifteenth century the ordinary furniture of the hall is enumerated as follows :— A ..."

2. The Reader's Handbook of Allusions, References, Plots and Stories: With Two by Ebenezer Cobham Brewer (1880)
"Turn the Tables, to rebut a charge by a counter-charge, so that the accused becomes in ... By a few limply words to turn the tables. Byron, Don Juan, L 73. ..."

3. Report of the Proceedings and Evidence in the Arbitration Between the King by John Ricord, Stephen H. Williams, Ladd & Co, Hawaii Office of the Attorney General, Hawaii, James F. B. Marshall, Office of the Attorney General (1846)
"We have a right to turn the tables upon them, and to answer them, that there is something rotten in the thing, which may reflect upon the character or ..."

4. Reminiscences of Senator William M. Stewart, of Nevada by William Morris Stewart (1908)
"CHAPTER XVI Chollar and Potosi controversy — Exposure of bribed jurors — I turn the tables on my enemies — Three judges resign in one day — $14000 in ..."

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