The phrase "were in cards" is spelled using the phonetic transcription /wɜːr ɪn kɑːdz/. The first sound, /w/, represents a voiced labial-velar approximant. The next sound, /ɜːr/, is a diphthong consisting of the open-mid central unrounded vowel and the consonant /r/. The following sounds, /ɪn kɑːdz/, represent the preposition "in" followed by the noun "cards". The spelling of this phrase accurately reflects the pronunciation and emphasizes the importance of proper writing and spelling in communication.
"Was/were in the cards" is an idiomatic expression used to convey the possibility or likelihood of a certain outcome or event occurring in the future. This phrase is often employed to suggest that something is either destined or highly probable to happen based on current circumstances, trends, or indicators.
The expression originates from the practice of fortune-telling or divination using playing cards. In card readings, specific cards may symbolize certain events or possibilities. When a particular card or set of cards is perceived to indicate a likely outcome, it is said to be "in the cards."
Figuratively, the phrase "was/were in the cards" denotes the anticipated occurrence of an event based on circumstances or factors at hand. It emphasizes that the outcome in question is highly probable or has a strong chance of happening. It implies that there is some inherent inevitability or predestination tied to the outcome.
For example, if someone says, "It was in the cards for them to win the championship," they mean that the team had a high likelihood of winning based on their exceptional skills, previous victories, or overall performance. Similarly, if someone states, "Getting promoted was never in the cards for me," they are expressing that they believed it was highly unlikely or even impossible for them to be promoted due to factors such as lack of qualifications, competition, or office politics.