play the gender card: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘play the gender card’ mean?
The idiom "play the gender card" means to use one's gender as a way to gain advantage or manipulate a situation, typically in an unfair or strategic manner.
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"Play to win" is an idiom that means to engage in a situation or activity with the intention of achieving victory or success, rather than just participating or going through the motions. It emphasizes the importance of being competitive and putting forth one's best effort to achieve a specific goal or outcome.
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The idiom "play the victim card" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It refers to the act of portraying oneself as a victim or falsely claiming victimhood in order to gain sympathy, divert blame, or evade responsibility in different situations.
The idiom "play the race card" refers to the act of using one's race as a means to gain advantage in a situation or to deflect criticism by accusing others of racism.
The idiom "play the man and not the ball" means to focus on attacking or criticizing someone personally instead of addressing the issue at hand. It implies a diversion from the main point of the argument and resorting to personal attacks instead.
The idiom *play the hand one is dealt* means to make the best out of a situation or circumstances that one cannot control.
The idiom "play the fool" means to act silly or foolish, often for amusement or as a way to hide one's true thoughts or intentions.
The idiom "play the fool" is a common phrase used in the English language. It is often used to describe someone who acts foolishly or pretends to be ignorant or naive in a particular situation. The phrase can be traced back to the early 16th century and has remained in popular usage ever since.
The idiom "play the field" means to date or have romantic or sexual relationships with multiple people at the same time, without committing to any one person. It implies a desire to explore one's options before settling down.
The idiom "play the field" is commonly used in American English to describe someone who is dating or pursuing romantic relationships with multiple people at the same time.
The idiom "play the angles" means to use clever or strategic tactics to achieve a desired outcome or advantage.
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The idiom "play the gender card" is commonly used in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. It refers to using one's gender as a tactic to gain an advantage or manipulate a situation.
This phrase has emerged from discussions about gender equality and women's rights. People often use it to describe situations where individuals exploit their gender to justify their actions or shift the focus of a debate or argument.
The term "play" in this idiom suggests that the action is deliberate and calculated, indicating a level of strategy and intent. It conveys the idea that the person is using their gender as a tool to maneuver the situation in their favor, much like playing a card in a game.
The word "gender" in this idiom specifically refers to societal roles, expectations, and characteristics associated with being male or female. It encompasses attributes and norms rooted in cultural, historical, and social constructions. By "playing the gender card," individuals leverage these constructs to influence or control a situation to their advantage.
This idiom is not confined to any particular gender. Both men and women can "play the gender card," although it is often used in the context of women exploiting gender-related issues to gain favorable treatment or manipulate others. It can be used in various contexts such as politics, workplaces, relationships, and societal debates.
The idiom "play the race card" shares similarities with "play the gender card." It refers to using one's race as a tactic or strategy to gain an advantage or manipulate a situation. Just like playing the gender card, this idiom implies a deliberate and calculated action to shift the focus or gain an upper hand in a debate or argument.
Similarly, the idiom "play games" is related to "play the gender card" in that both refer to manipulative behavior. When someone is said to be "playing games," it means they are engaging in deceitful or strategic actions to manipulate others or achieve personal goals. In both cases, the use of these idioms suggests that individuals are not being genuine or straightforward in their actions.
This idiom, "play the gender card," has drawn criticism from some who argue that it diminishes genuine concerns about gender inequality. They claim that using this term implies that individuals who raise legitimate gender-related issues are manipulating or exaggerating their concerns for personal gain or advantage.
It is crucial to understand the context in which this idiom is used, as it can be subjective and open to interpretation. The phrase can be employed to delegitimize a person's concerns, dismiss their experiences, or undermine the importance of addressing gender disparities.
The idiom "play the gender card" reflects the complexity surrounding conversations about gender in contemporary society. It highlights the tension between genuine advocacy for gender equality and the opportunistic exploitation of gender as a means to achieve personal goals. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and unresolved issues pertaining to gender and the power dynamics associated with it.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *play the gender card* can be used in a sentence:
- She always tries to play the gender card to get what she wants.
- He accused his opponent of playing the gender card to gain sympathy from voters.
- Many people believe that politicians sometimes play the gender card to appeal to specific demographics.
More "Gender" idioms
