Plain English Expression: Turn the tables
Mar 5, 2026
Clear explanation of the expression "turn the tables" and what it means. A sports example shows fortunes reversing during a playoff game. A discussion on how language dynamics can give English speakers an edge. A look at shifting advantage in the job market and how technology and policy can change who holds the power.
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Meaning And Example Of Turn The Tables
- "Turn the tables" means to reverse a situation so the disadvantaged person gains advantage.
- Jeff introduces the expression with the Turkey spelling example to show reversing linguistic advantage.
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NBA Example Of Turning The Tables
- Jeff recounts the Bulls-Bucks playoff: Bucks won game one 93-86, then Bulls "turned the tables" by winning game two 114-110.
- The sports example shows a clear competitive reversal across consecutive games in a seven-game series.