play one's cards right
Meaning: To do all the right things and make all the right moves in order to achieve some end.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Daily Life
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 idioms — Daily Life
- play second fiddle — To be in a subordinate position; to have a lower rank or standing than someone else.
- pop the question — To ask someone to get married.
- pound of flesh — A (figuratively) painful payment of a debt.
- pull oneself up by one's bootstraps — To improve oneself (usually economically) without help from others.
- pull rank — To take advantage of one's superior position (one's rank).
- pull something off — To accomplish something that had appeared difficult to finish or achieve.
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.
- pull up stakes — To collect one's household belongings and leave one's house or property; to move to anoth…
- put all one's eggs in one basket — To invest all one's hopes or plans in only one possible outcome.
- put someone on the spot — To put someone in a difficult situation or to present someone with a difficult choice; to…
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