Example: If you play your cards right, you will get the job.
Definition
"To play one's cards right" means to act with skill and careful strategy in a situation to achieve the best possible outcome, often by making wise decisions or taking advantage of opportunities.
Translations
jugar bien sus cartas
zijn kaarten goed spelen
jugar bé les cartes
bien jouer ses cartes
seine Karten richtig ausspielen
Etymology
The phrase "to play one's cards right" originates from card games, where skillful handling and strategic play of cards can determine the winner. It evolved metaphorically to describe any situation where careful and clever action leads to success. Did you know it emphasizes the importance of making the most of what you have, just like in a card game?
Learn to use this expression actively
"To play one's cards right" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 106 commonly used expressions.
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