Idiom – Hold All The Cards

Hold All The Cards – Idiom of the Day

Meaning:

Holding a robust and influential position and controlling others over it

History:

This idiom ‘Hold all the Cards’ comes from the card games where someone who holds all the valuable cards is in the most advantageous position. 

Idiom scenarios:

Scenario 1:

Sita: To whom should I ask for leave permission? 

Gita: The General Manager holds all the cards at this company, therefore try asking him.

Scenario 2:

Soni: Can you please tell me who has designed this product? And how was it developed? 

Executive: Sorry sir, the product was designed by a reputable company which holds all the cards, and we’re not supposed to give any of that information. I am extremely sorry! I hope that’s okay? 

Soni: Never Mind! Thank You. 

Scenario 3:

Rose: How’s your life going? Are you happy? 

Jenny: Yeah, it’s good! Although I am happy, sometimes it gets complicated. 

Rose: Why is that so? 

Jenny: That’s because my mother-in-law holds all the cards. Only if she permits, we’re allowed to go out on weekends. 

Examples:

Understand the Usage of the Idiom in the Sentences:

1. The school’s management members hold all the cards; the principal just nods to what they say. 
2. He was unhappy with his relationship as she was holding all the cards. 
3. My sister has broken the vase, and now I hold all the cards to get her to do anything I want
4. I am not allowed to go out with friends at night as my mom holds all the cards. 
5. She was known to be holding all the cards because of her intelligence.