逆さかねじを食くう

expression, godan verb (-u)

have the tables turned on one; get one's own tactics used against one

Idiomatic expression meaning that a tactic or argument one intended to use against someone else is turned back on oneself, often with negative consequences.

See also: 逆ねじ

• 彼かれの策さく略りゃくは逆さかねじを食くって、自じ分ぶんが不ふ利りな立たち場ばに立たたされた。

  His scheme backfired, and he ended up in a disadvantageous position.

• 相あい手てを批ひ判はんしたつもりが、逆さかねじを食くって自じ分ぶんの非ひを認みとめることになった。

  I meant to criticize my opponent, but the tables were turned and I ended up admitting my own fault.