Example
“With the cash reserves and the talent, they held all the cards.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
lay your cards on the table
Neutral · CEFR C1
to be completely honest about your intentions or position
go all in
Informal · CEFR B2
to commit fully to something, risking everything you have
jack of all trades
Neutral · CEFR B2
a versatile person with many useful skills but no necessary specialization
trump card
Neutral · CEFR B2
a hidden advantage kept in reserve for the decisive moment
to all intents and purposes
Formal · CEFR C1
in every way that matters in practice; effectively
winner takes all
Neutral · CEFR C1
a market dynamic in which the leading competitor captures nearly all the value
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.