the table has turned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the table has turned' is a perfectly correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase when something has happened to change a situation or the dynamics of a relationship. For example, "After the merger, the table has turned and the smaller company is now in control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The tables had turned.

The New York Times

"The tables have turned".

The New York Times

Now, the tables have turned.

The New York Times

But the tables have turned.

Independent

But now the tables have turned.

The Economist

HOW quickly the tables have turned.

The Economist

"By then the tables had turned.

Independent

Now the tables have turned again.

The Economist

For Mr Rudd, the tables have turned.

Independent

"The tables have turned," he said.

The New York Times

But lately the tables have turned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the table has turned" when you want to concisely express that a situation has been completely reversed, especially concerning power dynamics or advantages. This idiomatic phrase is very suitable if you want to highlight a sense of irony or poetic justice in the reversal.

Common error

Avoid using "the table has turned" when simply describing a minor change or adjustment. It is best reserved for significant, often unexpected, reversals of fortune or position. Using it for trivial situations weakens its impact and can sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the table has turned" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate a reversal of circumstances. As confirmed by Ludwig, this idiom effectively conveys that the dynamics of a situation have changed, often implying a shift in power or advantage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the table has turned" is a common idiomatic phrase used to denote a significant reversal of circumstances, often involving a shift in power. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its prevalence in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a substantial change rather than a minor adjustment. Alternatives such as "the roles are reversed" or "the tide has shifted" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember that while both "the table has turned" and "the tables have turned" are acceptable, the plural form is more frequently encountered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the worm has turned

Implies that someone formerly oppressed or downtrodden has gained power.

the roles are reversed

This alternative directly highlights a change in roles between parties.

the dynamics have shifted

It emphatizes a change in the relationship or power structure.

the situation is reversed

This option focuses on the reversal of the overall circumstances.

the balance of power has changed

This option emphasizes alterations in power or authority.

the tide has shifted

This phrase evokes a change in momentum or prevailing conditions.

things have taken a different turn

This phrase describes an alteration in the course of events.

circumstances have changed

A general statement about alteration of previous conditions.

fortune has reversed

This alternative specifically relates to a change in someone's luck or prospects.

the game has changed

This alternative highlights a fundamental shift in the rules or conditions.

FAQs

What does the idiom "the table has turned" mean?

The idiom "the table has turned" means that a situation has been completely reversed, often implying a shift in power or advantage from one party to another. For example, what was once true is now untrue.

How can I use "the table has turned" in a sentence?

You can use "the table has turned" to describe situations where there's been a significant reversal. For example: "After years of being the underdog, "the tables have turned", and our company is now the market leader."

What are some alternatives to saying "the table has turned"?

Alternatives include "the roles are reversed", "the tide has shifted", or "the worm has turned" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it "the table has turned" or "the tables have turned"? Which is correct?

Both phrases are acceptable, although "the tables have turned" is more common. Both refer to a reversal of fortune or situation. "The table has turned" implies a singular, specific shift, while "the tables have turned" implies a more general or widespread reversal.