Saw in the cards is a common phrase used to suggest that something is predicted or foretold. The word "saw" is spelled with the short vowel sound /ɒ/ which is similar to the "o" sound in "hot" or "not". The "w" is pronounced the same as in "we" or "will". "Cards" is spelled with the long "a" sound /ɑː/ and the "r" is silent. In IPA, the word "saw" is transcribed as /sɔː/ and "cards" as /kɑːdz/.
The idiom "saw in the cards" is derived from the practice of Tarot card reading, which involves interpreting the symbols and patterns on a deck of Tarot cards to gain insight into someone's future or situations. Figuratively, when someone mentions that they "saw in the cards," it implies that they predicted or foretold a particular event or outcome beforehand, based on intuition, foresight, or a perceived insight into the situation.
Within this context, "saw in the cards" is often used to express the notion that an individual anticipated, foresaw, or had a strong feeling about a particular occurrence or result well before it actually happened. It implies a sense of premonition or prophetic ability, suggesting that the person had a gut feeling or intuitive knowledge about the future event.
The phrase can be employed in various situations, ranging from casual conversations to more serious discussions. It is often used to highlight someone's ability to predict or anticipate future events accurately, even if they possess no supernatural powers.
In summary, "saw in the cards" refers to the act of foreseeing or predicting a specific outcome or event ahead of time. It captures the idea of using intuition, insight, or perceived knowledge to anticipate future occurrences, akin to a Tarot card reader interpreting symbols and patterns on the cards.