Understanding "ain't no fun when the rabbit got the gun"

"ain't no fun when the rabbit got the gun"

I came across the above slang recently. The explanation I could find on line is

Someone being butthurt over having something, they do to others regularly, done to the them

For the literal meaning, my understanding is "It is not a fun (not an enjoyable thing) when the rabbit got the gun".

  1. Is my understanding correct for the literal meaning?

Then I want to connect the literal meaning with its real meaning.

  1. Why could "ain't no fun when the rabbit got the gun" have the meaning as shown by the online explanation?

Is it because, from the perspective of a hunter, you used to carry a gun and chased the rabbit, and then suddenly the situation turned -- the rabbit got the gun and pointed it at you?

Furthermore, I would like to know the implication when this slang is used.

  1. What could the speaker imply when he or she says "ain't no fun when the rabbit got the gun"? Does the speaker imply that you should learn to accept the situation when "the rabbit got the gun"?

Some examples would be very appreciated.


This is just an expression of consternation due to the tables being turned on someone. What has previously been an easy victory over someone or something has now become difficult or even impossible because the metaphorical "hunter" has become the metaphorical "prey".

Compare it with this other slang expression:

Payback's a bitch.


Normally a hunter has the gun and is seeking the rabbit to shoot for a meal. It is not the preferred situation to find the rabbit with your gun. When the prey can shoot you with your own gun it is certainly no fun.