Everyday phrases inspired by card games

Card games have been amongst people’s favourite activities to indulge in for centuries. They have been a part of all cultures since ancient times and so, it comes as no surprise that some of the most commonly used phrases and idioms originate from card-playing. If you’re wondering what popular phrases we’re talking about, stay with us and keep reading! 

Follow suit

Originally, to follow suit meant to play a card of the same suit as the player before you did. However, this phrase has taken quite a leap and today, it also means to conform to another’s actions or basically do the same thing as someone else. 

Manvi admired her mother’s efforts to help the needy and decided to follow suit. 

Play one’s cards right

This phrase is rather straightforward and its literal and figurative meanings are quite similar. Just like playing your cards right in a game of poker would lead to a good or positive outcome, playing your cards right in life would also turn out to be beneficial for you. Simply put, it means to make the best of your assets and opportunities. 

If you play your cards right, you could get a promotion by the end of this year. 

To be dealt a bad hand

Literally, to be a dealt a bad hand means that the cards you have won’t make a game-winning combination. Figuratively, it means you’re a victim of unfavourable circumstances that are beyond your control. 

Life hasn’t been kind to Naman – he’s always been dealt a bad hand.

Have a card up one’s sleeve

In a game, to have a card up one’s sleeve means to have a card so strong, it could turn the game around. Historically, the idiom originates from some dishonest players’ practice to put cards up their sleeves and use them when required. However, nowadays this phrase is more often used as a figure of speech which means to have a secret plan or hidden advantage that could be used when needed.

Archit may have lost the deal but he still has a card up his sleeve.

Poker face

Poker face isn’t just a song by Lady Gaga but is also a really common term in poker and everyday life. If you’re making a poker face, it means you aren’t displaying your thoughts or feelings, i.e. you have a completely neutral facial expression that shows no emotions whatsoever. While playing poker, this is done in order to floor your opponents so that they’re unable to figure out whether or not you have good cards.

Sonal always maintains a poker face so you can never really tell what’s going on in her head. 

Lay one’s cards on the table

Laying your cards on the table, while playing poker, is the ultimate way of displaying what you’ve got. At that point, there’s no bluffing. Similarly, in real life, it means to be honest and open about your intentions. 

It’s pivotal to lay your cards on the table before getting into a relationship.
As you can probably tell, these terms and idioms are a much bigger part of our lives than most people out there think of them to be. These phrases have deep routes in our society and have become narratives for situations that would otherwise be tricky to express. On that note, we take your leave for now! Don’t forget to check out the rest of our blogs for more interesting updates & information related to the world of cards.