tables turn

USAGE SUMMARY

'tables turn' is a valid phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate a reversal of fortunes, where something or someone previously in a state of success or power is now in a state of disfavor. For example, you could say, "When the economy crashed, the tables turned, and many businesses were forced to close their doors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Slowly, the tables turn.

The New Yorker

How the tables turn.

The New York Times - Magazine

League tables turn many headteachers into bullies.

Independent

And then the tables turn again.

The New York Times

Then the tables turn, sort of.

The New York Times - Books

Sometimes, when history repeats itself, the tables turn.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Are the tables turned?

The New York Times

Have the tables turned?

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead of the tables turning, they hovered".

The New York Times

ARE the tables turning in Gaza?

The Economist

Karim likes to keep the tables turning.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tables turn" when you want to emphasize a dramatic shift in power or fortune, often unexpectedly.

Common error

Avoid using "tables turn" literally (e.g., in a restaurant setting) when you intend to convey a metaphorical shift in circumstances or power dynamics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tables turn" functions as an idiomatic expression to indicate a reversal of fortune or power. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It often introduces a surprising change in circumstances, as seen in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "tables turn" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a reversal of fortune or power. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig, it signals a significant and often unexpected shift in circumstances. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase in its metaphorical sense to avoid misinterpretation. For alternative expressions, consider options like "fortunes reverse" or "roles are reversed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fortunes reverse

Focuses on the reversal of good or bad luck.

roles are reversed

Highlights a change in the position or function of individuals or groups.

tide turns

Implies a significant shift in a situation, often suggesting a change from negative to positive or vice versa.

situations change

A general term indicating an alteration in circumstances, without specifying the nature of the change.

scales are tipped

Focuses on gaining or losing an advantage.

power shifts

Highlights a change in control or influence.

positions are exchanged

Indicates an exchange or swap of roles or statuses.

the worm turns

Implies that someone who was previously weak or oppressed gains power or retaliates.

a turnaround occurs

Focuses on the change from failure to success or vice versa.

circumstances alter

Suggests a modification in conditions, often implying an adaptation or adjustment is needed.

FAQs

What does it mean when the "tables turn"?

The phrase "tables turn" means that a situation has reversed, often unexpectedly, especially concerning power dynamics or fortune.

How can I use "tables turn" in a sentence?

You might say, "After years of being the underdog, the "fortunes reversed" when his invention became a global success and the "tables turn".

What can I say instead of "tables turn"?

You can use alternatives like "roles are reversed", "tide turns", or "situations change" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "tables turn"?

Yes, "tables turn" is a grammatically correct idiomatic expression widely used in English.