# play one's cards right

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/play-ones-cards-right
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To act correctly; to make the right moves.

## Examples

- If you play your cards right, you might get the job.
- She knew that if she played her cards right, she could convince the manager to give her a raise.
- By carefully navigating the complex office politics and delivering results early, he realized that if he played his cards right, a promotion was inevitable.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.