Card Idioms, Poker Phrases and Playing Card Sayings in Everyday Life

Card games are widely popular all over the world, and poker, in particular, is played both at casinos and private parties. This widespread popularity has led to the development of numerous game variations. In a similar vein, there are many idiomatic phrases in colloquial English that have been borrowed from poker. From the well-known “poker face” to phrases like “raise the stakes” and “all bets are off,” it seems that we frequently use idioms inspired by card games without even realizing their origin. While we won’t list all of them here, we have compiled the top 5 idioms for you, along with a few bonus ones.

Published: 9 August 2017

Throughout history, gambling and card games have remained a beloved pastime for countless individuals. Even ancient civilizations were captivated by these activities. It is no surprise, then, that numerous well-known phrases and idioms have their origins in card-playing traditions. But that’s not all! There are also plenty of entertaining gambling jokes that we encounter in our daily lives. If you’re curious about the top 10 card and poker idioms, continue reading our article. We have compiled a list of the most frequently used gambling expressions. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a few rounds of cards, we recommend checking out our reviews of the finest online casino sites in the UK and the top UK poker sites – ideally after absorbing the information in our article!

Best Online Casino New Zealand 2023 – All You Need to Know

Online casinos have gained immense popularity in recent years, providing players with a convenient and entertaining way to enjoy their favorite casino games. For players in New Zealand, finding the best online casino in 2023 is essential to ensure a secure and satisfying gambling experience. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about choosing the top online casino in New Zealand for the year 2023.

One of the key factors to consider when selecting the best online casino is the range of games offered. A good online casino should provide a wide variety of games to cater to different player preferences. This includes popular games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and more. Additionally, a diverse selection of live dealer games should also be available to enhance the realistic casino experience for players.

To ensure a safe and secure gambling environment, it is crucial to choose an online casino that holds a valid license from a recognized regulatory authority. This ensures that the casino operates under strict regulations and guidelines, providing fair play and protecting the interests of the players. The best online casinos always display their licensing information prominently on their websites, giving players the peace of mind they deserve.

Furthermore, the reputation and track record of an online casino are vital factors to consider. It is advisable to choose a casino with a solid reputation in the industry, backed by positive player reviews. Online forums and review websites can be great sources of information to gauge the trustworthiness and reliability of the casino. Additionally, reputable casinos often collaborate with leading software providers to offer high-quality and fair games, further enhancing the overall gaming experience.

A crucial aspect of a top-tier online casino is its commitment to customer support. Players should have access to reliable customer support channels, such as live chat, email, or telephone, to address any queries or concerns they may have. Prompt and friendly customer support enhances the overall gambling experience, ensuring that players feel valued and supported throughout their gaming journey.

When it comes to bonuses and promotions, the best online casinos go above and beyond to reward their players. Generous welcome bonuses, free spins, and recurring promotions should be readily available to enhance players’ chances of winning and provide additional excitement and value. Players should carefully read and understand the terms and conditions associated with these bonuses to make the most of their rewards.

Mobile compatibility is another crucial factor to consider in the modern era. With the significant advancements in mobile technology, players expect to have access to their favorite online casino games on their smartphones or tablets. The best online casinos recognize this demand and offer a seamless mobile gambling experience through dedicated mobile apps or optimized websites.

In conclusion, choosing the best online casino in New Zealand for 2023 requires careful consideration of various factors. A diverse range of games, valid licensing, a solid reputation, reliable customer support, attractive bonuses, and mobile compatibility are all essential aspects to look for. By conducting thorough research and considering these factors, players can enjoy a secure and enjoyable online gambling experience in 2023.

To explore one of the top online casinos in New Zealand, visit MontyCasinos at https://montycasinos.com/.

#10 To Deal a Bad Hand

To give (someone) an unfavorable hand is a common phrase in card games. In a literal sense, if someone receives an unfavorable hand during a game, it means that the cards they have do not enable them to form a winning combination. However, in a figurative sense, this popular phrase refers to situations in which one becomes a victim of unfair circumstances beyond their control.

Example: Jack lost his job. He has been dealt an unfavorable hand.

#9 To Have a Card Up One’s Sleeve

In a game, having a card up one’s sleeve is a literal expression that signifies having a card of great strength that can alter the outcome of the game. Historically, this idiom originated from the deceitful practice of certain players who would literally conceal cards in their sleeves and use them strategically. However, in modern usage, the phrase is more commonly employed as a metaphorical expression denoting the possession of a secret plan that can be utilized when necessary.

For instance: Even though John may have lost the negotiation, he still has a hidden strategy that he can employ to his advantage.

#8 Trump Card

The phrase “trump card” has a similar meaning to “having a card up one’s sleeve.” However, it is important to note that this phrase has no connection to the US President, Donald Trump. Etymologically, the English word “trump” is derived from the XV century Italian playing card game called “trionfi.” This name comes from the Latin word “triumphus,” which means triumph or victory. Therefore, linguistically, the phrase means “a winning card.” Literally, the phrase refers to having a higher-ranking card that can be strategically used to win a game. While the phrase can still be heard in card games, nowadays it is more commonly used metaphorically. It signifies having an advantage that others are unaware of, which increases the likelihood of success.

For instance: Jane utilized her most advantageous strategy. The flat could not be sold unless her signature was present.

#7 To Show One’s Hand

As you might have surmised, the expression “to show one’s hands” has its roots in the practice of card players revealing their cards during a game, typically at the game’s conclusion. When used figuratively, “to show one’s hands” means to disclose one’s previously undisclosed plans or intentions to others. Today, this idiom from the world of card games is frequently used in everyday conversations.

Example: We were unable to negotiate with the proprietor of the company without revealing our strategy.

#6 To Shuffle the Cards/Decks

Logically, the phrase to shuffle the cards originates from the dealer’s practice to mix up the deck prior to each new card game. Altering the sequence of the cards is a vital part of every fair game. The metaphorical meaning of the phrase stems from its literal one. As a figure of speech, to shuffle the cards means to rearrange, modify or restructure something already established such as an organization, a policy or a routine.

Example:No one in the company worked efficiently, so the new Vice President came prepared to shuffle the deck and to make changes.

#5 Play One’s Cards Right

This phrase is quite straightforward and its literal and figurative meanings are rather similar. If you make the correct decisions in poker, you will have a positive outcome. In life, if you make the right choices, you will ensure that a situation becomes beneficial to you. Therefore, it means that you take advantage of your opportunities or negotiate effectively to achieve the best possible results.

For example: She was facing a difficult situation at work, but she managed it well. As a result, she wasn’t fired for incompetence but instead received a paid vacation to the Bahamas.

#4 Wild Card

When playing a game, a wild card has the ability to represent any card chosen by the player. In a similar manner, in the field of computing, the term is used to substitute for an unknown character, often symbolized by an asterisk. However, in a figurative sense, the concept originated in the mid-19th century and pertains to an unpredictable individual or occurrence. If something is considered a wild card, it is not reliable or dependable, and we could say that all bets are off.

For example: Do not rely on Mandy to attend the office party. She is an unpredictable wildcard.

#3 Raise the Stakes

While understanding the meaning of this phrase in poker is relatively simple, it becomes more complex when used in everyday speech. The Free Dictionary provides two possible definitions. Firstly, it means “to increase in importance or danger”. Secondly, it is synonymous with the phrase “to increase one’s commitment or involvement.” In any case, raising the stake entails the opportunity to win more but also the risk of losing more. Two similar idioms are “raise the ante” and “up the ante”.

Illustration: She had anticipated a calm and romantic evening with her partner, but he elevated the stakes by taking her to her favorite restaurant and proposing.

#2 Follow Suit

Originally, the phrase “to follow suit” had a specific meaning in card games – it meant to play a card of the same suit as the previous player. However, over time, the phrase has evolved to have a more general meaning. It is now used to describe when someone imitates or follows the same pattern as others, or when they follow someone else’s example.

Example: The boy jumped out of the window, and several other students followed suit while a couple of teachers helplessly watched on.

#1 House of Cards

This phrase is used to describe a plan or an organization that has a highly unstable structure and can be easily destroyed. Some etymological sources claim that John Milton was the first to use it in a figurative sense, dating back to the 1640s. It is currently very popular, and you may have seen or heard of the popular TV series with the same name that revolves around political drama. Even without knowing the plot of the series, one can easily guess what it’s about based on the choice of such a telling idiom for the title.

For example: The boss was unaware that the company he referred to as a house of cards could collapse in a matter of days.

Honourable Mentions

Although the following did not make it into our top 10 list of most common poker idioms, we believe it would be enjoyable to examine them and consider their origins in everyday English. These idioms are also quite popular, although not as popular as the ones we have already ranked. This time, we have arranged the idioms in order from the most popular to the least popular.

Overall, the various playing card sayings and gambling phrases are a much larger part of our everyday lives than most people realize. And we love it. These idioms have deep roots in society and have become narratives for situations that would otherwise be difficult to express in words. While we could spend a lot of time explaining how deeply gambling is involved in the behavior and even the vocabulary of every individual, we would like to show you two more lists – one of the best online gambling sites for 2023 in the UK. For those of you who are new to online gambling, we recommend starting at the best high low card game sites in the UK, as the game is one of the simplest. Au revoir, for now, and don’t forget to check our blog for more interesting and amusing details from the glamorous world of casinos, cards, and dice!