Play your cards right
phrase
To make the best decisions in a situation in order to get the best outcome or gain an advantage.
If you play your cards right, you might be promoted to manager by the end of the year.
Often appears as...
- play one's cards right in business
- play one's cards right in a relationship
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To make the best decisions in a situation in order to get the best outcome or gain an advantage.
If you play your cards right, you might be promoted to manager by the end of the year.
Often appears as...
- play one's cards right in business
- play one's cards right in a relationship
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Strategic Decisions
Focus on the strategic thinking aspect, implying calculated choices like in a card game.
He played his cards right by investing early in the business.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Understand it's a metaphor from card games, used to describe having good judgment.
She played her cards right with her career moves.
Pro Tip 3/3Opportunistic
It often implies being opportunistic, seizing the moment when chances arise.
If you play your cards right, you can catch the eye of the recruiters.
Pro Tip 1/3Strategic Decisions
Focus on the strategic thinking aspect, implying calculated choices like in a card game.
He played his cards right by investing early in the business.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Understand it's a metaphor from card games, used to describe having good judgment.
She played her cards right with her career moves.
Pro Tip 3/3Opportunistic
It often implies being opportunistic, seizing the moment when chances arise.
If you play your cards right, you can catch the eye of the recruiters.
Pro Tip 1/3Strategic Decisions
Focus on the strategic thinking aspect, implying calculated choices like in a card game.
He played his cards right by investing early in the business.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Understand it's a metaphor from card games, used to describe having good judgment.
She played her cards right with her career moves.
Pro Tip 3/3Opportunistic
It often implies being opportunistic, seizing the moment when chances arise.
If you play your cards right, you can catch the eye of the recruiters.
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