play the hand one is dealt
To use the resources which one actually has available; to operate realistically, within the limits of one's circumstances.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You must play the hand you are dealt to succeed.”
“Life is not always fair, but you have to play the hand you are dealt and keep moving forward.”
“Despite the sudden loss of his funding, the researcher chose to play the hand he was dealt, focusing his limited resources on the most promising aspects of the project.”
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a good deal
Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.
- 02
a great deal
Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.
- 03
as best one can
In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.
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as far as one knows
To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.
- 05
back of one's hand
A display of disrespect or scorn.
- 06
back to square one
Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.
- 07
bear a hand
To make haste; to help quickly.
- 08
beat as one
To share the same feelings.
Last updated August 10, 2026