Poker isn’t just a card game; it’s also given us fun ways to talk about everyday life! This blog post explores different poker-related phrases we use in English to describe various situations. Whether you’re a poker pro or just love fun expressions, these idioms will add some flavor to your language!
Poker Idioms
Here are 20 poker idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
Hold All the Aces
Meaning: To be in a very strong position
Example: She holds all the aces in this negotiation.
Play Your Cards Right
Meaning: Use your resources wisely
Example: If you play your cards right, you might get a promotion.
Poker Face
Meaning: To hide your emotions
Example: He kept a poker face during the meeting.
Up the Ante
Meaning: To increase what is at stake
Example: They really upped the ante with that offer.
Fold
Meaning: To give up
Example: He decided to fold after the first round.
Call Someone’s Bluff
Meaning: To challenge someone’s deceit
Example: She decided to call his bluff and asked for proof.
All In
Meaning: To commit fully
Example: He went all in with his new business.
Bluff
Meaning: To deceive or trick
Example: He managed to bluff his way through the interview.
Ace in the Hole
Meaning: A hidden advantage
Example: She had an ace in the hole during the debate.
Chip In
Meaning: To contribute
Example: Everyone needs to chip in for the gift.
Pass the Buck
Meaning: To shift responsibility
Example: He always tries to pass the buck when work piles up.
Show Your Hand
Meaning: Reveal your intentions
Example: It’s time to show your hand if you’re serious about this deal.
On a Roll
Meaning: Experiencing a consistent success
Example: He’s really on a roll with these projects.
Stack the Deck
Meaning: Manipulate events in one’s favor
Example: They stacked the deck during the elections.
Play for Keeps
Meaning: To do something seriously
Example: This time, we’re playing for keeps.
Bet Your Bottom Dollar
Meaning: Be very sure about something
Example: You can bet your bottom dollar he’ll be late.
Wild Card
Meaning: An unpredictable factor
Example: The weather is the wild card in our plans.
Cash In Your Chips
Meaning: To take your winnings or stop participating
Example: He decided to cash in his chips and retire.
Sweeten the Pot
Meaning: To make an offer more attractive
Example: Let’s sweeten the pot with a bonus.
By the Book
Meaning: To do things according to the rules
Example: He does everything by the book.
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