Meaning
To reverse a situation, especially to gain an advantage or shift power dynamics.
Cultural Background
In Levantine cafes, 'Tawila' (Backgammon) is a staple. The idiom is often used in political talk shows to describe shifting alliances, which are common in the region. Egyptians use 'الترابيزة' (el-tarabeiza) from the Italian 'tavola'. The phrase 'قلب الترابيزة' is extremely common in Egyptian cinema to describe a dramatic plot twist. Used frequently in sports commentary, especially during the Saudi Pro League, to describe dramatic comebacks. While the MSA version is understood, local dialects might use 'قلب الفيستة' (flipped the vest/jacket) to mean changing sides, which is a related concept.
Use it in News
If you are writing an essay about politics or sports in Arabic, using this phrase will make your writing sound much more native and sophisticated.
Preposition Check
Always remember 'على'. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete if you are mentioning an opponent.
Meaning
To reverse a situation, especially to gain an advantage or shift power dynamics.
Use it in News
If you are writing an essay about politics or sports in Arabic, using this phrase will make your writing sound much more native and sophisticated.
Preposition Check
Always remember 'على'. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete if you are mentioning an opponent.
Dialect Variation
If you are in Egypt, use 'Tarabeiza'. If you are in Lebanon, 'Tawila' is perfect.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
قلب المحامي الطاولة ____ الادعاء.
We use 'على' to indicate the person or group that lost their advantage.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a business context?
اختر الجملة الصحيحة:
This correctly uses the figurative meaning of gaining an advantage over competitors.
Match the situation to the use of the idiom.
فريق كرة قدم خاسر يسجل هدف الفوز في الدقيقة 90.
A last-minute win is a classic 'table-flipping' moment.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: 'نحن نخسر هذه الصفقة!' سارة: 'لا تقلق، لدي خطة سـ____.'
Sarah is suggesting a plan to reverse the losing situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesقلب المحامي الطاولة ____ الادعاء.
We use 'على' to indicate the person or group that lost their advantage.
اختر الجملة الصحيحة:
This correctly uses the figurative meaning of gaining an advantage over competitors.
فريق كرة قدم خاسر يسجل هدف الفوز في الدقيقة 90.
A last-minute win is a classic 'table-flipping' moment.
أحمد: 'نحن نخسر هذه الصفقة!' سارة: 'لا تقلق، لدي خطة سـ____.'
Sarah is suggesting a plan to reverse the losing situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is neutral. It's used in news (formal) and daily conversation (informal).
Yes, it usually implies a positive reversal for the person doing the 'flipping'.
The root is Q-L-B (ق-ل-ب), which relates to turning, flipping, or the heart (qalb).
Yes, 'انقلبت الطاولة' (the table turned/was turned).
No, the idiom is specifically with 'table'.
Related Phrases
قلب الموازين
synonymTo flip the scales
قلب الصفحة
contrastTo turn the page
خلط الأوراق
similarTo shuffle the cards
عاد من بعيد
builds onTo come from far away
