戸と板いた返がえし

Meanings

1

revolving panel with dolls; kabuki stage prop

A kabuki stage device: a panel that flips to reveal a life-size doll on the other side, used for quick character or scene changes.

歌か舞ぶ伎きの『戸と板いた返がえし』では、戸と板いたがくるりと回まわって人にん形ぎょうが現あらわれる。
In kabuki's 'toita-gaeshi,' the panel spins around and a doll appears.

2

sudden reversal; abrupt change in attitude or situation

Figurative use likening a quick flip to the kabuki prop; often implies a dramatic or unexpected turnaround.

彼かれの態たい度どは戸と板いた返がえしのように変かわった。
His attitude changed like a toita-gaeshi.
政せい局きょくが戸と板いた返がえしで一いっ変ぺんした。
The political situation was completely overturned in a sudden reversal.