Example
“With the cash reserves and the talent, they held all the cards.”
Dictionary details
Tags
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
lay your cards on the table
CEFR C1to be completely honest about your intentions or position
Neutral
go all in
CEFR B2to commit fully to something, risking everything you have
Informal
jack of all trades
CEFR B2a versatile person with many useful skills but no necessary specialization
Neutral
trump card
CEFR B2a hidden advantage kept in reserve for the decisive moment
Neutral
to all intents and purposes
CEFR C1in every way that matters in practice; effectively
Formal
winner takes all
CEFR C1a market dynamic in which the leading competitor captures nearly all the value
Neutral
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.