Game expressions offer creative ways to convey strategic thinking, competition, and problem-solving. Here’s a selection to elevate your conversational game.
Game Expressions
- Play your cards right
Meaning: Use your skills strategically.
Example: If you play your cards right, you’ll succeed. - Wild card
Meaning: An unpredictable person or thing.
Example: He’s the wild card in this team. - Poker face
Meaning: An expressionless face, hiding emotions.
Example: He kept a poker face during negotiations. - The cards are stacked against
Meaning: Unfavorable odds.
Example: With no funding, the cards are stacked against us. - Roll the dice
Meaning: Take a chance or risk.
Example: He rolled the dice on that investment. - Ace up one’s sleeve
Meaning: A hidden advantage or resource.
Example: She had an ace up her sleeve. - Go all in
Meaning: Invest everything in an endeavor.
Example: He went all in on that startup. - Call one’s bluff
Meaning: Challenge someone to prove their claim.
Example: I decided to call his bluff about quitting. - Lay your cards on the table
Meaning: Be honest and reveal intentions.
Example: She laid her cards on the table. - Hit the jackpot
Meaning: Achieve sudden success or fortune.
Example: He hit the jackpot with that job. - In the game
Meaning: Actively participating and competitive.
Example: He’s still very much in the game. - Game plan
Meaning: A strategic plan of action.
Example: Their game plan was thorough and effective. - A pawn in the game
Meaning: A person used by others.
Example: She felt like a pawn in the game. - Ahead of the game
Meaning: Doing better than expected.
Example: We’re ahead of the game on sales. - Behind the eight ball
Meaning: In a difficult position.
Example: She’s behind the eight ball with debt. - High stakes
Meaning: High risks with significant consequences.
Example: The negotiations have very high stakes. - Game changer
Meaning: Something that significantly impacts the situation.
Example: That new policy is a real game changer. - Play the field
Meaning: Avoid commitment, often in dating.
Example: She’s not ready to settle down, playing the field. - Keep one’s eye on the ball
Meaning: Stay focused on the goal.
Example: To win, keep your eye on the ball. - Up the ante
Meaning: Increase the stakes or risk.
Example: To win the bid, they upped the ante.
