The phrase "is in cards" is a common idiom that means something is likely or inevitable to happen. The correct spelling of the word "cards" is /kɑːdz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial consonant sound is a voiceless velar stop /k/, followed by a long vowel sound /ɑː/. The final consonant cluster consists of a voiced alveolar fricative /z/, which indicates that the word is plural. Remembering the spelling of this idiom is important for improving one's fluency in English.
The phrase "is in the cards" is an idiomatic expression, often used in conversation to suggest that a particular event or outcome is likely or possible to happen in the future. Derived from the practice of fortune-telling using playing cards, this expression conveys the idea that the likelihood or potential of something occurring is symbolically predetermined or already established, much like the cards in a deck.
When someone says that something "is in the cards," they imply that there are signs, indications, or circumstances pointing towards the eventuality of a specific outcome. It suggests that the situation is aligned with what is anticipated or logically expected, although not guaranteed. This expression can encompass both positive and negative expectations, denoting that something might occur or be destined to occur, regardless of individuals' desires or efforts.
The usage of "is in the cards" typically conveys a sense of inevitability or predestined occurrence, emphasizing the notion that the event in question is more likely to happen rather than being merely speculative. It creates imagery of a mystical or foreseeing power that determines the sequence of events in one's life. Thus, when someone says that something "is in the cards," they are essentially stating that the desired or predicted outcome has a reasonable probability of materializing based on the current circumstances or indications.