How Do You Spell THE CARDS?

Pronunciation: [ðə kˈɑːdz] (IPA)

The spelling of "the cards" in IPA phonetic transcription is /ðə kɑrdz/. The first word "the" is pronounced as a voiced dental fricative /ðə/, which means the tongue is placed behind the upper teeth to create the sound. The second word "cards" is pronounced with a voiceless velar stop /kɑrdz/, where the back of the tongue is pressed against the soft palate to create the 'k' sound, followed by an 'a' vowel sound and a voiced 'rdz' sound produced by the vibration of the vocal cords.

THE CARDS Meaning and Definition

1. "The cards" is an idiomatic expression that is used in various contexts and has different meanings based on the context in which it is used.

   One common meaning of "the cards" refers to a deck of playing cards used for playing card games like poker, bridge, or blackjack. In this context, "the cards" typically represents a collection of 52 playing cards, including the suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades) and the various denominations (Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and numbers 2 to 10). It may also refer to special cards, such as jokers, that might be included in the deck for certain games.

   However, "the cards" can also be used metaphorically to represent a situation or a predetermined outcome, often implying chance or fate. It suggests that a situation or one's destiny is predetermined, emphasizing the lack of control one has over events. For example, if someone says, "It's all in the cards," they mean that the outcome is beyond their control and will unfold naturally.

   Additionally, "the cards" can be used to refer to a set of tarot cards, which are used for divination or fortune-telling. Tarot cards consist of a larger deck than standard playing cards and contain different symbolic images on each card representing different aspects of life, emotions, and situations.

   In summary, "the cards" can refer to a deck of playing cards, a metaphorical representation of a predestined outcome, or specifically tarot cards used for divination purposes.

Common Misspellings for THE CARDS

• rhe cards
• fhe cards
• ghe cards
• yhe cards
• 6he cards
• 5he cards
• tge cards
• tbe cards
• tne cards
• tje cards
• tue cards
• tye cards
• thw cards
• ths cards
• thd cards
• thr cards
• th4 cards
• th3 cards
• the xards
• the vards

Etymology of THE CARDS

The etymology of the phrase "the cards" can be traced back to the late 16th century when card games became popular in Europe. The word "cards" originated from the Middle English word "card", which came from the Old French word "carte". This Old French term was derived from the Latin word "charta", meaning "paper" or "papyrus". Eventually, the term "cards" came to specifically refer to the playing cards used in games. Over time, the phrase "the cards" came to signify the deck of playing cards itself, as well as various card games played with them.

Idioms with the word THE CARDS

• stack the cards The idiom "stack the cards" means to arrange or manipulate a situation or circumstance in order to gain an unfair advantage or ensure a desired outcome. It implies setting up the conditions to favor oneself or a particular party by intentionally biasing the circumstances in their favor. This idiom is often used to describe actions that are dishonest, deceptive, or unfair.
• stack the deck, at stack the cards The idiom "stack the deck" or "stack the cards" refers to unfair manipulation or an attempt to control the outcome of a situation in one's own favor, usually by adding advantages or disadvantages that tilt the odds heavily in one's favor. It implies a deceitful or dishonest act intended to manipulate a situation in order to ensure a certain desired outcome.
• in the cards The idiom "in the cards" means that something is likely to happen or is a possibility. It is often used when discussing future events or outcomes that seem probable or predetermined.
• on the cards The idiom "on the cards" means that something is likely or probable to happen in the future.
• have the cards stacked against (one) The idiom "have the cards stacked against (one)" means to face a situation where the odds of success or achievement are extremely low due to unfavorable circumstances or factors beyond one's control. It refers to being in a disadvantaged position with little hope or likelihood of overcoming obstacles.
• the cards are stacked against The idiom "the cards are stacked against" means that the circumstances or conditions are unfavorable or biased, making it difficult to achieve success or overcome obstacles. It suggests that the odds are not in one's favor.
• shuffle the cards The idiom "shuffle the cards" refers to mixing things up or changing the current situation or order of things. It implies introducing a degree of randomness or unpredictability. It can be used metaphorically to describe making changes or creating a new starting point in a project, plan, or situation.
• the cards beat all the players The idiom "the cards beat all the players" refers to a situation in gambling, particularly card games, where luck or chance triumphs over skill or strategy. It suggests that no matter how competent or skilled the individuals playing are, luck ultimately determines the outcome.
• the cards are stacked against sb The idiom "the cards are stacked against someone" means that someone is facing unfavorable or difficult circumstances that make it very unlikely for them to succeed or achieve their goals. It implies that external factors or forces are working against the person, making their success or victory extremely unlikely.
• be in the cards, at be on the cards The idiom "be in the cards" or "be on the cards" means that something is possible or likely to happen in the future. It suggests that the outcome or event being referred to has a good chance of occurring or is already being anticipated. The phrase is often used when discussing future plans, events, or potential outcomes.
• the cards are stacked in (someone's or something's) favor The idiom "the cards are stacked in (someone's or something's) favor" means that the circumstances or conditions are arranged or biased in a way that gives someone or something a significant advantage or higher probability of success. It suggests that the odds are heavily in their favor, making it more likely for them to achieve their desired outcome.
• be on the cards The idiom "be on the cards" means that something is likely or probable to happen in the future. It suggests that there is a possibility or an expectation for a particular event or outcome to occur.
• hold all the cards The idiom "hold all the cards" means to have complete control or dominance in a situation. It implies having all the necessary resources, information, or advantages to determine the outcome or decisions. It suggests having a position of power or leverage over others involved.
• have all the cards The idiom "have all the cards" means to have a significant advantage or control in a particular situation, usually in negotiations or competitions. It suggests that the person or entity possessing all the cards has the upper hand and is better positioned to achieve their desired outcome.
• stack the cards (against someone or something) The idiom "stack the cards against someone or something" means to deliberately manipulate or arrange circumstances in a way that puts a person or thing at a significant disadvantage or makes success highly unlikely. It implies unfairness, bias, or giving an overwhelming advantage to one side over another.
• have the cards stacked against The idiom "have the cards stacked against" means to face a situation where the odds are heavily favored against someone or something. It implies that the circumstances or conditions are arranged in a way that makes success difficult or unlikely. It often suggests that the external factors or forces are working against a person or a particular outcome.
• the cards are stacked against (someone or something) The idiom "the cards are stacked against (someone or something)" means that circumstances or factors are strongly against the person or thing in question, making it difficult for them to succeed or achieve a favorable outcome. It implies that the odds are unfavorable or biased, similar to a card game in which the deck is intentionally arranged to ensure one player's advantage over another.
• the fall of the cards
• the cards/odds are stacked against you This idiom is used to convey the idea that someone is facing a situation in which success is unlikely because the circumstances or factors involved are working against them. It implies that the individual is at a disadvantage or has little to no chance of achieving a positive outcome.
• the cards/odds are stacked in your favour This idiom means that circumstances are in someone's favor, usually implying a high likelihood of success or a beneficial outcome. It can also suggest that someone has an advantage over others in a given situation.
• the cards/odds are stacked against somebody/something This idiom means that the circumstances or factors are overwhelmingly against someone or something, making success or a favorable outcome unlikely.
• the cards/odds are stacked in favour of somebody/something This idiom means that the circumstances or situation are in favor of someone or something, giving them an advantage or a higher chance of success.