Pronunciation: [ɪz ɪnðə kˈɑːdz] (IPA) 
The expression "is in the cards" uses the homonyms "cards" and "cartes" in French. In English, "cards" generally refers to a deck of playing cards, while "cartes" refers to maps or charts. The pronunciation of "cards" is /kɑrdz/, with a soft "a" pronounced like "ah" and a voiced "z" at the end. Meanwhile, the French word "cartes" is pronounced /kaʁt/, with a hard "a" pronounced like "car" and a silent "s" at the end.
The phrase "is in the cards" is an idiomatic expression that is primarily used to convey the idea of something being possible or likely to happen in the future, typically referring to events or outcomes that are beyond one's control. This expression originates from fortune-telling or card reading, where a deck of cards is used to predict future events.
In a figurative sense, when something "is in the cards," it means that the circumstances, conditions, or factors seem to align in such a way that suggest a high possibility or likelihood of a particular event occurring. It implies that the future event is destined or predetermined, much like a card drawn from a deck, which signifies a specific outcome.
The phrase is often used in a speculative or predictive sense, conveying a certain level of anticipation, expectation, or even apprehension. It can be employed in various contexts, from personal relationships, career prospects, financial possibilities, to general life events. For instance, one might say, "Winning the lottery is in the cards for her," to indicate the strong possibility of her winning, based on a combination of luck, circumstances, or intuition.
Overall, "is in the cards" is an idiom that expresses the notion of something being foreseeable or likely to happen, resembling the act of divination through cards to decipher or predict future events.
