So the tables have turned What does that mean?

[maverick_starstrider]

"So the tables have turned!"... What does that mean?!

Seriously, what is the origin of this phrase? Is it like one of those rotating tables at dim sum, or does "turning" mean flipping over like in a gun fight? I don't know. My best guess is it's referring to gambling when there's like a losing blackjack table or something and then a person suddenly starts winning... Anyone know the origin of this phrase? Wait, is it, again at a gambling table, when the dealer and the player switch (since the position is allocated on the table)?

 

[russ_watters]

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/390300.html

 

[maverick_starstrider]

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/390300.html

Seriously? backgammon? Wow, I never want to use that phrase again.

 

[turbo]

When I was improving my chess game, I often played with my friend's brother, who was a genius at the game. He would get an advantage on me in materials and/or position, then turn the table (switch the board to swap our positions) to see if I understood how to exploit the situations that he had set up. It was quite a good way to learn under "live fire", as opposed to studying books on chess theory.

 

[Jimmy Snyder]

When I was improving my chess game, I often played with my friend's brother, who was a genius at the game. He would get an advantage on me in materials and/or position, then turn the table (switch the board to swap our positions) to see if I understood how to exploit the situations that he had set up. It was quite a good way to learn under "live fire", as opposed to studying books on chess theory.

Me too. When I found myself losing, I would just turn the table thus ending the game and maintaining my undefeated status.

 

[GeorginaS]

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/390300.html

Handy dandy site.

 

[maverick_starstrider]

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/390300.html

Although I suppose it's allegedly the oldest surviving game.

 

[fluidistic]

When I was improving my chess game, I often played with my friend's brother, who was a genius at the game. He would get an advantage on me in materials and/or position, then turn the table (switch the board to swap our positions) to see if I understood how to exploit the situations that he had set up. It was quite a good way to learn under "live fire", as opposed to studying books on chess theory.

I'd love to play with a grand master who would do this once per game :D