cards

British  

/ kɑːdz /

noun

1. (usually functioning as singular)

   1. any game or games played with cards, esp playing cards

   2. the playing of such a game

2. an employee's national insurance and other documents held by the employer

3. to be told to leave one's employment

4. US equivalent: in the cards.  possible or likely

5. to carry out one's plans; take action (esp in the phrase play one's cards right )

6. to declare one's intentions, resources, etc

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Example Sentences

I had so much built-up anxiety about facing my own numbers, but seeing my boyfriend lay his cards on the table gave me the courage to finally log in and look at mine.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

The government isn’t asking the court to disturb Wong Kim Ark’s treatment of children born to lawful permanent residents—who nowadays have green cards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Dougie Shelley, from Essex, who joined the Royal Navy aged 17 and received more than 16,000 birthday cards when he turned 100 in September after an appeal, died on 21 March.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

"It's all consistent with idea that the US holds all the cards and they'll decide when to hold, when to fold and when they go all in," he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

“And ration cards can’t be counterfeited. They’re changed too often and they’re too easy to spot. Identity cards are different. I know several printers who do them. Of course you need a photographer.”

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom