# play the Nazi card

idiom

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

## Meaning

To invoke the reductio ad Hitlerum argument in a dialogue or debate.

## Examples

- He tried to play the Nazi card to win the argument.
- When the debate became heated, the politician decided to play the Nazi card rather than address the actual policy.
- By choosing to play the Nazi card during the discussion, he effectively ended any chance of a reasonable or logical debate.

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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.