idioms using “cards”

In the cards

Meant to be, destined

“It looks like our takeover of our rival company just wasn’t in the cards. Note: A fortune teller often uses cards to tell the future”

A house of cards

A delicate balance that can be destroyed with the slightest wrong move

“The entire company was a house of cards so it is no surprise that they declared bankruptcy.”

Play one’s cards close to the vest

To keep one’s intentions a secret from others

“It is hard to know what Nishi-san will do; she plays her cards close to her vest.”

Play one’s cards right

To act carefully and intelligently

“If she plays her cards right, Ishida-san will be promoted to the vice presidency.”

Lay one’s cards on the table

To reveal one’s intentions

“The negotiators had run out of time so they just laid their cards on the table and finalized an agreement twenty minutes later.”