tables are turned

USAGE SUMMARY

"tables are turned" is a correct and commonly used idiom in written English.
It means that a situation has been reversed, such as when someone who was previously in a position of strength is suddenly in a weaker position. For example, "When the company filed for bankruptcy, the tables were turned and their creditors suddenly had the upper hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The tables are turned".

The New York Times - Arts

The tables are turned tonight".

The New York Times

Eighty years later, the tables are turned.

The New York Times

Twenty years on, the tables are turned.

The Guardian

But in China the tables are turned.

The New York Times

But now the tables are turned.

The New York Times

With one strategic download, the tables are turned.

The New York Times - Tech

But every three years, the tables are turned.

The Economist

It can hardly object when the tables are turned.

The Economist

His nightmare begins when the tables are turned.

The New York Times

Some 20 years later, the tables are turned.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "tables are turned" to vividly describe a significant reversal of circumstances, especially when the previous disadvantage has become an advantage. For example, "After years of being the underdog, the tables were turned when the small company secured a major contract."

Common error

Avoid using "tables are turned" when simply describing a change or a surprise. The phrase specifically implies a reversal of fortune or power, not just any unexpected event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tables are turned" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that a situation has reversed, often resulting in a shift of power or advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, this idiom is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "tables are turned" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a reversal of fortune or circumstances. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently employed in news and media, but is also appropriate in formal and business contexts. To avoid misinterpretations, remember that the phrase implies a true reversal, not just a change or surprise. Consider alternatives like "roles are reversed" or "the tide has turned" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fortunes are reversed

This directly implies a change in luck or success, often from good to bad or vice versa.

the shoe is on the other foot

This idiom highlights a reversal of position, often where someone experiences what they previously inflicted on others.

roles are reversed

This alternative emphasizes the shift in roles between two parties, rather than a general change in situation.

the worm has turned

This idiom suggests that someone previously oppressed or weak has now gained strength and is fighting back.

the script is flipped

This emphasizes a deliberate and often unexpected reversal of roles or expectations.

the tide has turned

This suggests a shift in momentum or prevailing conditions, often in a competitive context.

power dynamic shifted

Focuses on a change in who holds the power or influence within a relationship or situation.

the game has changed

This indicates a significant alteration in the rules or dynamics of a situation.

the situation is inverted

This alternative focuses on the fact that the situation has an opposite outcome or configuration.

circumstances have changed

This is a more general way of saying that the situation is different now, without necessarily implying a reversal of advantage.

FAQs

How to use "tables are turned" in a sentence?

Use "tables are turned" to describe a situation where there's been a reversal of fortune or power. For example, "After losing several games, the "tables are turned" when our team scored three goals in the last five minutes".

What can I say instead of "tables are turned"?

You can use alternatives like "roles are reversed", "the tide has turned", or "the shoe is on the other foot" depending on the specific context.

What does the idiom "tables are turned" mean?

The idiom "tables are turned" signifies a reversal of a situation, where someone who was previously at a disadvantage gains the upper hand or vice versa. It implies a significant shift in power or circumstances.

Is it "tables are turned" or "the table has turned"?

While both phrases suggest a shift, "tables are turned" is a more common idiomatic expression, implying a complete reversal of a situation. "The table has turned" can also be used, but it's less frequent and may refer to a more gradual change.