Poacher turned gamekeeper
phrase
A person who used to oppose or harm something, now supports or defends it.
After years of hacking into high-security digital systems for fun, he turned into a poacher turned gamekeeper, working for cybersecurity firms to protect systems from others like his past self.
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
A person who used to oppose or harm something, now supports or defends it.
After years of hacking into high-security digital systems for fun, he turned into a poacher turned gamekeeper, working for cybersecurity firms to protect systems from others like his past self.
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Role Reversal
Describes someone who switches sides, often having insider knowledge which makes them effective in their new role.
The former spy is a poacher turned gamekeeper now, using his skills to catch other spies.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
The phrase is used metaphorically and is not about literal poaching or gamekeeping.
She argued against the tobacco industry but as a poacher turned gamekeeper, now advocates for smoking rights.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Transition
The switch in roles is often surprising or ironic, given the person’s past.
The notorious car thief became a poacher turned gamekeeper, running a car security business.
Pro Tip 1/3Role Reversal
Describes someone who switches sides, often having insider knowledge which makes them effective in their new role.
The former spy is a poacher turned gamekeeper now, using his skills to catch other spies.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
The phrase is used metaphorically and is not about literal poaching or gamekeeping.
She argued against the tobacco industry but as a poacher turned gamekeeper, now advocates for smoking rights.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Transition
The switch in roles is often surprising or ironic, given the person’s past.
The notorious car thief became a poacher turned gamekeeper, running a car security business.
Pro Tip 1/3Role Reversal
Describes someone who switches sides, often having insider knowledge which makes them effective in their new role.
The former spy is a poacher turned gamekeeper now, using his skills to catch other spies.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
The phrase is used metaphorically and is not about literal poaching or gamekeeping.
She argued against the tobacco industry but as a poacher turned gamekeeper, now advocates for smoking rights.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Transition
The switch in roles is often surprising or ironic, given the person’s past.
The notorious car thief became a poacher turned gamekeeper, running a car security business.
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