in spades

Idioms  

1. Considerably, in the extreme; also, without restraint. For example, They were having money problems, in spades, or Jan told him what he really thought of him, in spades. This expression alludes to spades as the highest-ranking suit in various card games, such as bridge, and transfers “highest” to other extremes. [Colloquial; 1920s]

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Example Sentences

Owing to a potential 200% return profile, that can come in spades if the call is right.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

The 2026 Six Nations delivered attacking rugby in spades, with 111 tries the most scored in the championship since Italy were admitted.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

If there's one thing the 21st century has in spades, it's conspiracy theorists -- many of them angry, unhinged people hacking at their keyboards about grievances real and imagined.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

Whatever self-possession Ortega thinks she may have lacked, Wednesday has it in spades.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2025

They were too much for him—too literary and intellectual, too clever in spades.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

Related Words

• clearly
• determinedly
• distinctly
• downright
• positively
• really
• terribly
• unmistakably