English Explanatory Dictionary

turnabout is fair play

English dictionary entry

Meanings

proverb
  1. It is allowable to retaliate against an enemy's dirty tricks by using the same ones against them.
  2. Taking turns is morally right.

Word forms

turnabout is fair play turn about is fair play

Etymology

First use appears c. 1755, of British or Irish origin.

Related words

even a worm will turn eye for an eye fair play fight fire with fire taste of one's own medicine two can play that game what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander
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