Answer: The phrase "turn the tables" means to reverse a situation, usually by changing the power dynamic or the outcome of a competition, argument, or other interaction. When someone "turns the tables," they shift the advantage from their opponent to themselves.
For example, if two people are playing a game and one person is winning, the other person might "turn the tables" by making a strategic move that puts them in a better position to win. In a different context, if someone is being bullied or dominated by another person, they might "turn the tables" by standing up for themselves and gaining the upper hand.
Overall, "turn the tables" means to change the situation in your favor, often by using a surprising or unexpected approach.
Explanation: In the context of the given passage, "turn the tables" means to reverse the roles or positions of two parties, usually in a competitive or confrontational situation. In this case, the Foreign Office officials were happy to "turn the tables" on the State Department by accusing them of being appeasers of the Japanese, which is the opposite of the position the State Department usually took with respect to the British. The phrase "turn the tables" suggests a reversal of power or influence, often resulting from unexpected or clever tactics.