The cards/odds are stacked against you

usgb
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.
Visual representation of "the cards/odds are stacked against you" - You are in a situation where success is unlikely, because there are many more disadvantages than advantages.

Often appears as...

  • despite the odds being stacked against me
  • the odds are heavily stacked against her

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "the cards/odds are stacked against you"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Use

Used metaphorically to describe an unfavorable situation, not only involving literal cards or games.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Despite being the most qualified, the cards were stacked against her because of company politics.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Idiomatic Nuance

Understand it's an idiom implying unfairness or difficulty, not just numerical disadvantage.

Illustration for Idiomatic Nuance
He tried to change the policy, but the odds were stacked against him by the administration.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Non-Literal Odds

The 'odds' may involve non-quantifiable factors like bias, not just calculable probabilities.

Illustration for Non-Literal Odds
She fought for the promotion even though the odds were stacked against her due to office biases.
Visual representation of the word "The cards/odds are stacked against you"

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