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In 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 meaning likely to occur, destined, or foreseeable; divination-card metaphor used in poetry to suggest fate, probability, or emerging pattern through prophetic-gaming imagery emphasizing predetermined unfolding.

Detailed Definition
In the cards means likely, destined, possible, or foretold, drawing on the imagery of playing cards or fortune-telling. In poetry, it is useful for fate, chance, prophecy, gambling, romance, and uncertainty. The phrase allows a speaker to imagine the future as already present in hidden signs, yet still subject to interpretation. It can sound mystical, resigned, playful, or sceptical. Poets may use it to explore whether lives are governed by destiny, accident, choice, or the stories we tell about chance.
Example
Example in poetry:
A fortune-telling poem might say exile was always in the cards for the restless prince; In a love lyric, the speaker wonders whether reunion is in the cards; The phrase in the cards means likely or destined to happen; A poet can use it to suggest fate without needing literal prophecy.
Additional Notes
In the cards means likely or fated to happen, drawing on fortune-telling and card reading. In poetry, it can suggest destiny, chance, prophecy, superstition, or narrative inevitability. The phrase pairs well with tarot, gambling, hands, tables, queens, and hidden signs. Students should ask whether the future is truly predetermined or whether the speaker uses fate as a way of explaining desire, fear, or resignation.
Also Known As
likely
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