
IdiomDaily Life
English
play one's cards right
Meaning: To do all the right things and make all the right moves in order to achieve some end.
Example: “If she plays her cards right, she'll be promoted by June.”
Origin: The expression often suggests something slightly conspiratorial and dishonest. It probably originates from a card game like bridge, in which the players have any number of ways to play their cards, but playing them in just the right way will result in winning.
More English idioms
- pull strings To use one's influence.
- pull the rug out from under someone To abruptly ruin someone's plans or expectations.
- pull the wool over someone's eyes To deceive or fool someone.
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- put all one's eggs in one basket To invest all one's hopes or plans in only one possible outcome.
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