Phrase guide

hold the cards

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To be in a strong position, possessing significant advantages over someone else; to be in control of a situation involving multiple parties.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: hold all the aces, hold the aces

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: alle troeven in handen hebben — To be in a strong position
  • Finnish: hallita tilannetta — To be in a strong position
  • French: avoir les cartes en main — To be in a strong position
  • Italian: avere il coltello dalla parte del manico — To be in a strong position
  • Polish: mieć przewagę — To be in a strong position
  • Spanish: tener la sartén por el mango — To be in a strong position