false card

¹ American  

noun

Chiefly Bridge.

1. a card played to give an opponent a mistaken idea of the quality or length of one's holding in the suit led.

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false-card ² American  

[fawls-kahrd] / ˈfɔlsˌkɑrd /

verb (used without object)

Chiefly Bridge.

1. to play a false card.

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false-card British  

verb

1. (intr) bridge to play a misleading card, esp a high loser, in order to deceive an opponent

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Etymology

Origin of false card

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

But a false card will turn up now and then, you know.

From True Riches Or, Wealth Without Wings by Arthur, T. S. (Timothy Shay)

She professed her delight at the unexpected pleasure and then boldly played a false card.

From The Song of the Wolf by Mayer, Frank

Then it occurred to her that it was Arthur Eden after all who wished to see her, and that he had sent her up this false card only to inveigle her into an interview.

From Fan : the story of a young girl's life by Hudson, W. H. (William Henry)

He would not pick a pocket, or turn a false card, or, as he thought, forge a name.

From The Prime Minister by Trollope, Anthony

“Oh, Jane—Jane, darling! please—please stop, only a minute,” he whined, for he knew that he had played a false card, and that it was time to withdraw it.

From The Sapphire Cross by Fenn, George Manville