turn the tables

Cultural  

1. To reverse a situation and gain the upper hand: “After trailing the entire first quarter, the team rallied and finally turned the tables.”

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turn the tables Idioms  

1. Reverse a situation and gain the upper hand, as in Steffi won their previous three matches but today Mary turned the tables and prevailed. This expression alludes to the former practice of reversing the table or board in games such as chess, thereby switching the opponents' positions. [c. 1600]

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Example Sentences

Luckily, Attia claims, “changing how we exercise, what we eat, and how we sleep”—that is, following the regimen Outlive sells—“can completely turn the tables in our favor.”

From Slate • Feb. 26, 2026

“I said, ‘I’m going to turn the tables and surprise them,’” she revealed.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 6, 2026

The Cleveland Cavaliers, who fell 140-138 to Miami in an overtime heartbreaker on Monday, rallied to turn the tables with a 130-116 triumph over the Heat.

From Barron's • Nov. 13, 2025

England attack coach and former scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth highlighted Dupont's ability to turn the tables on a defence, launching attacks when apparently close to losing possession and territory, as one of his greatest assets.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2025

What if she decided to turn the tables and show up with security officers?

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Related Words

• alter
• annul
• dismantle
• invalidate
• lift
• modify
• nullify
• overrule
• overturn
• quash
• repeal
• rescind
• revoke
• set aside
• undo