ENGLISH
REFERENCE

spades

n. plural-only
C1 Advanced US //ˈspeɪdz// UK //spˈeɪdz// spades

n. a large amount of something. You use this in the phrase 'in spades' to say that someone has a lot of a specific quality.

n. a significant or abundant quantity of a particular quality or attribute. Almost exclusively used within the idiomatic prepositional phrase 'in spades'.


SIMPLE

She has talent in spades.

CONTEXTUAL

The new smartphone has all the latest features and style in spades, making it a top choice for tech enthusiasts.

COMPLEX

While the original film relied on subtle atmosphere, the sequel delivers high-octane action and special effects in spades to satisfy a broader audience.

Synonyms
Usage

Pluralia tantum in this idiomatic sense; typically functions as an adverbial phrase following a verb or noun.

Pitfall

He has a spade of luckHe has luck in spadesThe idiom 'in spades' is a fixed plural phrase; it cannot be used in the singular to mean 'a lot'.

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