turn the table

USAGE SUMMARY

"turn the table" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which a person or group has gone from being in a weaker or disadvantageous position to a stronger or advantageous one. For example, "With one good quarter, the team managed to turn the table and go on to win the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Another tactic is to turn the table on the employer.

The New York Times

Mr. Milosevic may well have the capacity to turn the table on his accusers.

The New York Times

"The soldiers had been thoughtful enough to turn the table top upside down to avoid damaging it.

The Guardian - Arts

Hopefully we can turn the table on them tomorrow, the way they did against us last year".

The New York Times - Sports

The rise of the Internet gave I.B.M., the monopolist of the mainframe era, a chance to turn the table on the new monopolist, Microsoft.

The New York Times

Ms. Deen, who rose to fame on her buttery, folksy way with words as well as ribs, went full Southern gothic to turn the table on her critics.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Help America turn the tables".

The New York Times

One last fact may turn the tables.

The New York Times

Now, Congress gets to turn the tables.

The New York Times

Now Tom Simon hopes to turn the tables.

The New York Times

But can that turn the tables?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turn the table" to vividly describe a reversal of fortune or unexpected shift in power dynamics within a narrative to make it more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "turn the table" when simply describing a change or adjustment; it specifically denotes a reversal of advantage or expected outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn the table" primarily functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It’s used to describe the act of reversing a situation or gaining an advantage, as validated by Ludwig's AI which confirms it is commonly used in written English. The examples show it modifying a subject, expressing action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "turn the table" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe a reversal of fortune or gaining an advantage in a situation. Ludwig's AI confirms it's readily usable in writing. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase effectively conveys a shift in power dynamics. While the literal meaning of "turn the table" refers to physically flipping a table, the idiomatic usage is more prevalent. To enhance writing, using this phrase provides a vivid description of power shifts or reversals of fortune. When in doubt, remember the plural form, "turn the tables", is more commonly used and idiomatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reverse the situation

Focuses on undoing the current state, suggesting a return to a previous condition.

gain the upper hand

Emphasizes achieving a position of control or advantage over someone.

seize the advantage

Highlights the act of capturing a beneficial opportunity that arises.

get the better of

Implies overcoming an opponent or obstacle, achieving victory.

turn the tide

Suggests a significant shift in momentum, often in a conflict or competition.

level the playing field

Focuses on creating a fair and equal situation for all involved.

change the dynamic

Highlights altering the relationships and interactions within a group or situation.

alter the balance of power

Implies shifting influence and control from one party to another.

invert the roles

Focuses on reversing the expected or traditional functions of individuals or groups.

overcome adversity

Highlights the ability to prevail and thrive despite challenging circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "turn the table" in a sentence?

You can use "turn the table" to describe a situation where someone who was previously at a disadvantage gains an advantage. For example, "The underdog team managed to "turn the table" in the final minutes of the game."

What does "turn the table" mean?

The phrase "turn the table" means to reverse a situation, especially to gain an advantage over someone who previously had an advantage over you. It implies a significant shift in power or control.

What can I say instead of "turn the table"?

You can use alternatives like "reverse the situation", "gain the upper hand", or "turn the tide" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "turn the tables" or "turn the table"?

The most common and idiomatic expression is "turn the tables" (plural). While "turn the table" (singular) can be used literally (e.g., physically flipping a table), it's less frequent and may sound unnatural when used idiomatically. The examples provided demonstrate the usage of "turn the tables" as the more established idiom.