long suit

American  

noun

1. Cards.

   1. the suit in which the most cards are held in a hand.

   2. (in bridge) a suit in which four or more cards are held in a hand.

2. the quality, activity, endeavor, etc., in which one excels.

   Diligence is his long suit.

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long suit British  

noun

1. 1. the longest suit in a hand of cards

   2. a holding of four or more cards of a suit

2. informal  an outstanding advantage, personal quality, or talent

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long suit Idioms  

1. One's strong point or advantage, as in Organizing has never been Nancy's long suit. This expression alludes to whist, bridge, and other card games in which holding numerous cards in a single suit may convey a strong advantage. [c. 1900]

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Etymology

Origin of long suit

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Transparency about the building plan is not the museum’s long suit.

From Los Angeles Times

I love trumping an opponent’s high card, I love establishing long suits, and I love putting others on tilt by talking about reduced Medicare benefits.

From Washington Post

Denim in the shape of long suit jackets and dropped-waist dresses with high halter necks, denim in A-line skirts torqued just ever so slightly askew.

From New York Times

Finesse, needless to say, is not a Trump long suit.

From Washington Post

To say that Babbo’s long suits are its pasta and desserts is just to praise those courses, not to diminish the others.

From New York Times