cards are stacked against

Idioms

Many difficulties face someone or something, as in The cards are stacked against the new highway project. This term originated in gambling, wheremeans to arrange cards secretly and dishonestly in one's own favor or against one's opponent. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Adran Premier club said in a statement it has "become clear that it is an impossible task to continue...the cards are stacked against us".

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2023

"The cards are stacked against you. You will likely lose your case with the prelitigation panel. That doesn't mean we don't believe in your case."

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2023

That may make you feel as if the cards are stacked against your daughter, but remember: Environmental factors are also important, so don’t “blame” her father for her fears.

From Washington Post • Apr. 6, 2022

We’ve talked about it, and while we both have strong feelings for each other, it just seems like the cards are stacked against us.

From Slate • Dec. 10, 2018

Opinion here is that cards are stacked against you.

From Woodrow Wilson as I Know Him by Tumulty, Joseph P.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023