Cold-calling the cold-caller

When being caught off guard in a scenario by someone who wants something, quickly restoring control by making demands of your own. Usually leads to awkwardness and some confusion on the part of the person who started the conversation. The term is known to originate from Surrey where individuals who when answering the door to cold-callers, would reverse roles and persuade the cold-caller to buy something or make a donation etc.

Cold-caller: Hello there, i was wondering whether you would like to make a donation today to Save the World?

Individual: Hmm, that sounds very noble but I believe a more worthy cause to be ........... It was set up around 40 years ago and looks to .......... Would you be interested in setting up a standing order.

Individual 2: Ah you're so bad, always cold-calling the cold-caller.

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