返かえり討うち

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.

• 敵かたき討うちに来きた侍さむらいが返かえり討うちに遭あった。

  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.

• 彼かれは議ぎ論ろんで相あい手てをやり込こめようとしたが、返かえり討うちにあった。

  He tried to out-argue his opponent, but the tables were turned on him.

• 強ごう盗とうが返かえり討うちに遭あって警けい察さつに捕つかまった。

  The robber was overpowered by his intended victim and caught by the police.