turnabout is fair play

Definition

It is allowable to retaliate against an enemy's dirty tricks by using the same ones against them.

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

• "My Endeavours were used to perplex their Thoughts and Judgments; I told them, that at next Wednesday’s Dinner I hoped we would be informed who were to rule the Roast, that hitherto honest Men were kept from shuffling the Cards, because they would cast Knaves out from the Company of Kings, but we would make them know, Turn about was fair Play, and that two and three made five, though many Words did not fill a Bushel."
• "No, I won't, — I went to my bed last, — let my bed come to me now, turn about is fair play."
• "A good way to get started on a little sexual assertiveness training is to agree to take turns being “dominant.” One evening the man takes ... Well, turnabout is fair play, and it's time for the woman to do the work, to try to please her man. . . and to take pleasure from him in any way she can."