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

See Examples For:

in spades

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

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 24, 2026

Many US refineries were designed, and are still geared, specifically for processing the kind of heavy crude Venezuela has in spades.

From Barron's ● Dec. 22, 2025

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

In a letter to MPs ahead of the budget, he said: "All we need is a fair chance and this industry will pay the great British people back in spades, as we have always done."

From BBC ● Nov. 25, 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
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• really
• terribly
• unmistakably