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Hold all the cards

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An idiomatic phrase describing complete control, dominant advantage, or decisive power; card-game metaphor used in poetry to convey mastery, strategic superiority, or inevitable outcome through gaming symbolism and hierarchical imagery.

Detailed Definition
Hold all the cards means to possess the advantage, information, power, or control in a situation. In poetry, the idiom is useful for unequal relationships, negotiations, political authority, class power, or fate itself. The card-game image suggests hidden knowledge and strategic play: one party knows what others do not. A poet may use it to critique authority, manipulation, or privilege. It can also show the vulnerability of those who must act without knowing the full hand being played against them.
Example
Example in poetry:
Control: "She seemed to hold all the cards in their complicated relationship."; Power: "Those who hold all the cards often forget others' hidden strengths."; Educational: "Critiques power imbalance in social commentary."; "The negotiator held all the cards."
Additional Notes
Power control, critiques authority imbalances in social commentary. Valuable for dynamics. Suggests dominance. Use in political poetry. Contrasts with vulnerability. Enhances critique. Pair with card game imagery.
Also Known As
Hold all the aces Have the upper hand Hold all the trumps Be in control
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