Expression Cards
493 cards available.
idiom
play one's cards close to one's chest
Meaning
to keep one's plans or ideas secret
Example
He always **plays his cards close to his chest** in business.
idiom
play one's cards right
Meaning
to make the right decisions in order to achieve a good result
Example
If you **play your cards right**, you could get the promotion you want.
phrasal-verb
play out
Meaning
to happen or develop in a particular way
Example
We watched how the story **played out** until the final twist.
idiom
play politics
Meaning
to act in a manipulative or strategic way to gain advantage
Example
He was accused of trying to **play politics** instead of focusing on the nation’s welfare.
idiom
play second fiddle
Meaning
to take a subordinate role to someone else
Example
He was tired of **playing second fiddle** to his colleague.
idiom
play the field
Meaning
to date or have romantic relationships with many people without commitment
Example
He’s still **playing the field** and not looking for a serious relationship.
idiom
play the political card
Meaning
to use a political issue to one’s advantage
Example
The minister tried to **play the political card** to gain public sympathy.
idiom
play through the pain
Meaning
to keep working or performing despite pain or hardship
Example
Athletes often **play through the pain** to win.
idiom
play to the gallery
Meaning
to try to gain approval from the general public rather than experts
Example
The politician was clearly **playing to the gallery** with his speech.
phrasal-verb
play up
Meaning
to exaggerate or emphasize something
Example
Some news outlets **played up** the drama to attract viewers.
phrasal-verb
play with
Meaning
to spend time enjoying a game or toy with someone
Example
We used to **play with** marbles and paper boats in the rain.
idiom
Play with fire
Meaning
To do something dangerous or risky.
Example
You’re **playing with fire** if you invest without research.
idiom
Play your cards right
Meaning
To make the right moves to achieve success.
Example
If you **play your cards right**, you might get the promotion.
idiom
play your part
Meaning
to do your share of the work or responsibility
Example
Everyone needs to **play their part** to make the event successful.
idiom
Playing both sides
Meaning
To secretly support or manipulate both sides of a conflict for personal gain.
Example
The ambassador was accused of **playing both sides** in the negotiations.
idiom
playing the field
Meaning
competing with many other companies or individuals in the same market
Example
The company is **playing the field** by expanding into new markets worldwide.
idiom
playing the long game
Meaning
making decisions or taking actions with long-term objectives in mind
Example
The president is **playing the long game** by focusing on long-term foreign policy.
idiom
Playing with house money
Meaning
Taking risks with money that was gained easily or unexpectedly.
Example
After their early profits, the traders were **playing with house money**.
idiom
Plead the fifth
Meaning
To refuse to answer a question, often in legal contexts, to avoid self-incrimination.
Example
When asked about the financial discrepancies, he chose to **plead the fifth**.
idiom
pledge one's word
Meaning
to make a serious or formal promise
Example
He **pledged his word** to support the cause.
phrasal-verb
plough back
Meaning
to reinvest profits into the same business
Example
The firm **ploughed back** its profits into expanding operations.
idiom
plow ahead
Meaning
to continue doing something despite difficulties
Example
Even with setbacks, they decided to **plow ahead** with the project.
idiom
Plow the field
Meaning
To prepare for future work or success.
Example
Before launching the product, we need to **plow the field** with proper research.
idiom
pluck up the courage
Meaning
to make yourself feel brave enough to do something
Example
He finally **plucked up the courage** to speak in public.