Phrase guide

in spades

prep_phrase · 3 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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  • General-American, Received-Pronunciation: /ɪn ˈspeɪds/
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

In large quantities; to a high degree; to excess, without restraint.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Last year we harvested almost no potatoes, but this year we're getting them in spades.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: in droves, abundantly, but good

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

Beyond doubt.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adverb

Meaning 3

without question and beyond doubt

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • it was decidedly too expensive
  • she told him off in spades
  • by all odds they should win

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: decidedly, unquestionably, emphatically, definitely, by all odds

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the card game of bridge, in which spades is the highest suit. Perhaps influenced by phrases with similar meaning, in spadefuls or in spate.