IdiomDaily Life
Russian
Russianкозырная карта (kozyrnaya karta)
Meaning: A decisive advantage or secret resource held in reserve.
Literally: Trump card
Example: “Её японский стал козырной картой на собеседовании.” — Her Japanese was the trump card in the interview.
English equivalent: A trump card
Equivalents in other languages
English: a trump card
Origin: In card games a trump (козырь) outranks every other suit, so a trump card held back can win a hand at the last moment. Figuratively, it is the decisive argument or advantage one keeps in reserve. English and other European languages use the same image.
More Russian idioms
- в ус не дуть (v us ne dut') To show complete indifference or not to care at all.
- надуться как мышь на крупу (nadut'sya kak mysh' na krupu) To become angry or offended; to sulk or huff indignantly.
- пудрить мозги (pudrit' mozgi) To mislead someone with false or nonsensical talk; to deceive or confuse deliberately.
- сила есть — ума не надо (sila yest — uma ne nado) a person who is physically strong but intellectually weak or stupid.
- зарывать свой талант в землю (zaryvat' svoy talant v zemlyu) to waste or hide one's natural gifts instead of using them.
- в лес дрова возить (v les drova vozit') to do something pointless or redundant; to offer something to someone who already has ple…
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- У тебя золотые руки (u tebya zolotye ruki) You're extraordinarily skilled — able to make or fix anything with your hands.
- Золотые руки (Zolotye ruki) You're wonderfully skilled with your hands — a true master at making and fixing things.
- Без царя в голове (Bez tsarya v golove) Foolish and reckless — with no one in charge upstairs.
Keep exploring