He stood his ground and held his card of ten.
card of ten
idiomA bold front, an instance of standing one's ground.
Origin
disputed originApparently from the use of cards with a rank of 10 in early card games.
Despite the intense pressure from the board, the manager played his card of ten to protect his team.
Facing the hostile committee, she maintained her composure and played her card of ten, refusing to concede a single point of her proposal.
- 01
a hundred and ten percent
A level of effort beyond what one can usually sustain; great exertion.
- 02
cock and Hen
[Cockney slang]ten
- 03
count to ten
An expression used to describe or recommend a process for pausing to regain one's composure when one is on the verge of losing one's temper.
- 04
drawing card
Synonym of drawcard (“something that attracts patronage to a place or an event”).
- 05
five will get you ten
I strongly believe.
- 06
get out of jail free card
A certain privilege or advantage that provides relief from an undesirable situation or immunity from punishment or consequences.
- 07
handbags at ten paces
Synonym of handbags at dawn (“a catty squabble”).
- 08
mark someone's card
To forcefully correct someone's behaviour.