play all one’s cards: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘play all one's cards’ mean?
The idiom "play all one's cards" means to use all of one's resources or strategies in order to achieve a goal or win a situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "say it all" means to fully express or reveal everything, leaving nothing unsaid or unexplained.
"Play it for all it's worth" means to take full advantage of a situation or opportunity to benefit oneself, often by using all available resources or skills to maximize the potential outcome.
The idiom "play it cool" means to remain calm and composed in a situation, especially when feeling nervous or under pressure. It involves maintaining a nonchalant or unaffected attitude to hide one's true emotions or intentions.
The idiom "play hob with" means to cause trouble or disruption, often leading to negative consequences or difficulties.
The idiom "play hardball" means to act aggressively, ruthlessly, or without compromise, typically in a competitive or confrontational situation.
The idiom "play games" means to behave in a deceptive or manipulative way, often for personal gain or advantage.
The idiom "play games" is commonly used to refer to situations or behaviors that involve deception, manipulation, or lack of straightforwardness. It can be traced back to the early 19th century and has been extensively used in literature, conversations, and media.
The idiom "play for time" means to delay taking action in order to gain more time or to avoid making a decision immediately.
The idiom *play for love* means to engage in an activity solely for personal enjoyment or passion, without any expectation of financial gain or external recognition.
The idiom "play first fiddle" means to have the dominant or leading role in a situation or group.
The idiom "play first fiddle" is used in the English language to describe someone who occupies a prominent and influential position. Originating from the world of music, specifically orchestras, it refers to the lead violinist or concertmaster who plays the first violin part. This metaphorical phrase carries a sense of authority, importance, and dominance.
Strategic Hand Unveiled
The idiom "play it for all it's worth" is closely related to "play all one's cards." Both idioms convey the idea of someone using all of their available resources or strategies to achieve a desired outcome. "Play it for all it's worth" suggests that someone is maximizing the value or potential of something, putting in their utmost effort or taking full advantage of a situation. It can be seen as an extension of "play all one's cards," emphasizing the idea of making the most of what one has.
The idiom "show one's cards" is another idiom related to "play all one's cards." While "play all one's cards" focuses on using all available resources, "show one's cards" emphasizes the act of revealing or exposing one's true motives or intentions. It can be seen as a more deliberate and intentional action compared to "play all one's cards," suggesting that someone is openly displaying their plans or strategies in a particular situation. "Show one's cards" can also imply a level of vulnerability, as it involves revealing one's true self or position.
Similarly, the idiom "play games" is related to "play all one's cards" in the sense that both idioms involve strategic actions or behaviors. "Play games" can refer to engaging in deceptive or manipulative tactics to gain an advantage in a situation. It can also imply a sense of strategic maneuvering or engaging in a competition where the outcome is uncertain. While "play all one's cards" focuses on the idea of using all available resources, "play games" introduces an element of deception or cunning in the pursuit of a desired outcome.
Another related idiom to "play all one's cards" is "play hardball." This idiom emphasizes a more aggressive and forceful approach in achieving a goal or outcome. It suggests that someone is willing to take strong or uncompromising actions to achieve their desired result. "Play hardball" can be seen as an extension of "play all one's cards," highlighting the determination and resolve to do whatever it takes to succeed. It implies a level of toughness and assertiveness in pursuing one's objectives.
Lastly, the idiom "say it all" is related to "play all one's cards" in the sense that both idioms involve revealing or expressing everything in a particular situation. "Say it all" implies a complete and candid disclosure of one's thoughts, feelings, or information. It can be seen as a verbal equivalent of "play all one's cards," emphasizing the idea of being fully transparent or open in a given context. Both idioms convey the notion of delivering a comprehensive message or making a complete display of one's intentions or resources.
The idiom "play all one's cards" is closely related to several other idioms, including "play it for all it's worth," "show one's cards," "play games," "play hardball," and "say it all." While each of these idioms has its own distinct nuances and connotations, they all share a common theme of strategic action, resource utilization, and revealing or expressing one's intentions. These idioms are commonly used in English and contribute to the rich and dynamic nature of the language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "play all one's cards" can be used in a sentence:
- John was strategic in the negotiation, carefully playing all his cards to secure the best deal.
- She didn't want to reveal her true intentions until the perfect moment, so she played all her cards very cautiously.
- The team was trailing behind, but they held their position, waiting to play all their cards in the final minutes of the game.