The phrase "not in cards" means something that is unlikely or impossible to happen. Although the spelling of the word "cards" may seem simple, it actually contains some tricky phonemes. The "a" in "cards" is pronounced as a short "a" sound, like the "a" in the word "cat". The "r" sound in "cards" is also important, as it is pronounced using the retroflex approximant /ɹ/ in American English. Therefore, the correct pronunciation is /nɑt ɪn kɑrdz/.
The idiom "not in the cards" suggests that a particular event or outcome is unlikely or improbable to occur. Derived from playing cards, particularly in games like poker where the outcome depends on chance, this phrase refers to the concept of one's destiny being determined randomly. When something is not in the cards, it implies that the circumstances, factors, or conditions necessary for a desired outcome are simply not present.
This idiom conveys a sense of fate or inevitability, suggesting that no matter how one may try or hope for a particular result, it remains beyond their control or beyond the realm of possibility. It implies that the forces at play, whether external or internal, do not align favorably to bring about the desired outcome.
The phrase can be used to express disappointment, resignation, or acceptance of an unfavorable situation. It acknowledges the limitations of an individual or the unpredictability of life's circumstances. Moreover, it possesses a connotation of finality, suggesting that attempts to change the outcome are not only futile but also unnecessary.
Overall, "not in the cards" functions as a metaphorical expression to convey the idea that a specific event or outcome is highly unlikely due to circumstances beyond an individual's control, akin to the unpredictable nature of playing cards.