Play your cards right

usgb
phrase

To make the best decisions in a situation in order to get the best outcome or gain an advantage.

If you play your cards right, you might be promoted to manager by the end of the year.
Visual representation of "play your cards right" - To make the best decisions in a situation in order to get the best outcome or gain an advantage.

Often appears as...

  • play one's cards right in business
  • play one's cards right in a relationship

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "play your cards right"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Strategic Decisions

Focus on the strategic thinking aspect, implying calculated choices like in a card game.

Illustration for Strategic Decisions
He played his cards right by investing early in the business.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

Understand it's a metaphor from card games, used to describe having good judgment.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
She played her cards right with her career moves.
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Opportunistic

It often implies being opportunistic, seizing the moment when chances arise.

Illustration for Opportunistic
If you play your cards right, you can catch the eye of the recruiters.
Visual representation of the word "Play your cards right"

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