逆さかねじ

noun

turning the wrong way; reverse twist

Refers to twisting or turning something in the opposite direction from what is intended, often causing damage or malfunction. Can be literal (screws, threads) or figurative.

• ネジを逆さかねじに回まわすと壊こわれることがある。

  Turning a screw the wrong way can break it.

• 彼かれのアドバイスはいつも逆さかねじで、かえって混こん乱らんする。

  His advice always backfires and ends up causing more confusion.

noun

retort; turning the tables

Figurative use: a sharp reply that turns someone's words or actions back on them, often in an argument or debate.

• 彼かの女じょの逆さかねじに、彼かれは何なにも言いえなくなった。

  Her retort left him speechless.