# play the gender card

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/play-the-gender-card
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To assert that sexism is involved in a situation, especially in order to exploit sexist or antisexist attitudes.

## Examples

- She accused him of playing the gender card to win the argument.
- When the manager criticized her performance, she claimed he was playing the gender card to avoid admitting his own bias.
- Critics argued that the politician was merely playing the gender card to deflect legitimate scrutiny regarding her controversial policy decisions during the heated debate.

---

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.