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]

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in spades

Ollie Chessum, brought in for his heft, delivered in spades, scoring two tries, laying on a deft pass for Alex Coles' score and clanging about in close combat.

From BBC ● Mar. 14, 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

That takes creativity, intelligence and gumption, and I’m sure your grandfather has those in spades.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 24, 2026

Martina had those traits in spades — as well as the diplomatic skills to negotiate a peace between feuding clubs that had brought competition in the island’s local league to a halt.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 9, 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