ENGLISH
REFERENCE

play the something card

idiom
Meaning

To mention something to obtain some advantage in conversation.


Examples
SIMPLE

He always plays the victim card when he makes a mistake.

CONTEXTUAL

When the manager asked why the report was late, she played the busy card to avoid taking responsibility.

COMPLEX

During the heated negotiation, the politician played the patriotism card to distract the public from the underlying economic failures of his proposal.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little of something goes a long way

    Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.

  2. 02

    card of ten

    A bold front, an instance of standing one's ground.

  3. 03

    chalk something up to experience

    To take a lesson from a bad outcome instead of grieving it.

  4. 04

    child's play

    Something particularly easy or simple.

  5. 05

    drawing card

    Synonym of drawcard (“something that attracts patronage to a place or an event”).

  6. 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.

  7. 07

    get something over with

    To proceed to do something as soon as possible, especially so as to have something unpleasant behind oneself.

  8. 08

    give someone something to think about

    To threaten or provide a challenge to.

Last updated April 17, 2026