The cards/odds are stacked against you
phrase
You are in a situation where success is unlikely, because there are many more disadvantages than advantages.
The aspiring actor moved to Los Angeles for better opportunities, but with thousands of people vying for the same role, the odds were stacked against him.
Often appears as...
- despite the odds being stacked against me
- the odds are heavily stacked against her
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
You are in a situation where success is unlikely, because there are many more disadvantages than advantages.
The aspiring actor moved to Los Angeles for better opportunities, but with thousands of people vying for the same role, the odds were stacked against him.
Often appears as...
- despite the odds being stacked against me
- the odds are heavily stacked against her
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
Used metaphorically to describe an unfavorable situation, not only involving literal cards or games.
Despite being the most qualified, the cards were stacked against her because of company politics.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic Nuance
Understand it's an idiom implying unfairness or difficulty, not just numerical disadvantage.
He tried to change the policy, but the odds were stacked against him by the administration.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-Literal Odds
The 'odds' may involve non-quantifiable factors like bias, not just calculable probabilities.
She fought for the promotion even though the odds were stacked against her due to office biases.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
Used metaphorically to describe an unfavorable situation, not only involving literal cards or games.
Despite being the most qualified, the cards were stacked against her because of company politics.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic Nuance
Understand it's an idiom implying unfairness or difficulty, not just numerical disadvantage.
He tried to change the policy, but the odds were stacked against him by the administration.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-Literal Odds
The 'odds' may involve non-quantifiable factors like bias, not just calculable probabilities.
She fought for the promotion even though the odds were stacked against her due to office biases.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
Used metaphorically to describe an unfavorable situation, not only involving literal cards or games.
Despite being the most qualified, the cards were stacked against her because of company politics.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic Nuance
Understand it's an idiom implying unfairness or difficulty, not just numerical disadvantage.
He tried to change the policy, but the odds were stacked against him by the administration.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-Literal Odds
The 'odds' may involve non-quantifiable factors like bias, not just calculable probabilities.
She fought for the promotion even though the odds were stacked against her due to office biases.
Never forget "The cards/odds are stacked against you"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension