noun
killing a would-be avenger
Historical or dramatic term for a situation where someone seeking revenge is instead killed by the intended target. Often used in samurai or period contexts.
敵討ちに来た侍が返り討ちに遭った。
The samurai who came seeking revenge was killed instead.
noun
having the tables turned; being beaten at one's own game
Figurative extension: a challenger or attacker is defeated by the person they targeted, often in a contest, argument, or scheme. Common in modern usage.
彼は議論で相手をやり込めようとしたが、返り討ちにあった。
He tried to out-argue his opponent, but the tables were turned on him.
強盗が返り討ちに遭って警察に捕まった。
The robber was overpowered by his intended victim and caught by the police.