In general, card games are very popular throughout the world, most especially poker. People are participating in these skilled games in both casinos and private gatherings. Perhaps, this explains the many game variations that exist today. Similarly, this could also be the reason why they are many poker sayings, card idioms, and playing card puns today.
Have you used or heard phrases like “Poker face”, “All bets are off”, or “Raise the stakes”? Well, it seems that we all enjoy using idioms inspired by poker and card games, although we don’t have an idea where they came from. We won’t list them all in this article. However, we will give you the most popular poker sayings and funny poker quotes.
What are the commonly used poker sayings and gambling figures of speech?
As you are probably aware, casino tables and card games have long been the favorite pastimes of people around the world. In addition, ancient cultures adored playing card games as well. As a result, it is no wonder that many of the most regularly used poker sayings and idioms have their origins in card games.
And that’s not all!
There are also numerous amusing gambling jokes that we hear daily. Meanwhile, if you’re curious about the top ten card and poker or other Singapore betting sites idioms, stick with us and read the rest of our post.
Famous Poker Sayings #1: To Deal a Bad Hand
This poker phrase is one of the most popular among gamblers. Speaking, if you are dealing a bad hand during a poker game, it means that your cards will not allow you to make a winning combination.
On the other hand, in its figurative sense, these poker sayings refer to a situation. In which, you become a victim of unfair circumstances that are beyond your control.
For example, David was fired from his work. He is dealing a bad hand.
Card Idioms #2: Trump Card
This card idiom has a similar connotation to the expression of having a card up one’s sleeve. However, it is important to note that this gambling phrase has no connection to US President Donald Trump.
In addition, the English word “trump” comes from the Italian card game called “Trionfi”. This game dates back to the 15th century. Plus, it gets its name from the Latin word “Triumphus” which means victory or simply triumphs.
So, if are to consider all the facts above, the card-playing phrase means “a winning card”. This is from the linguistic point of view. But if we will taken the phrase literally, this gambling phrase refers to holding a higher-ranking card. It means you are ready to strategically deploy this card to win the game.
Although you can still hear these poker sayings in card games, the trump card is now commonly used in metaphorical meaning. It refers to having an advantage that other people are unaware of that. This makes you more likely to succeed than they are.
For example, Ashley used her trump card to her advantage. The apartment could not be sold without her signature.
Poker Phrases #3: To Have a Card Up One’s Sleeve
In a game, having a card up one’s sleeve means having a card that is powerful enough to affect the outcome. These card idioms come from the behavior of some dishonest players who are putting cards up their sleeves. Then, use them when needed. Nowadays, this card phrase is more commonly used as a figure of speech. This signifies having a secret strategy, which you can use when needed.
Example: Joshua may have lost the bid. However, he still has a card up his sleeve.
Poker Sayings #4: Play One’s Cards Right
Are you looking for play your cards right quotes? Well, this gambling saying is very simple. In addition, its literal and figurative meanings are nearly identical.
So, what does playing your cards right mean?
Playing your cards right meaning in poker can lead to a positive outcome for you. Likewise, playing your cards correctly in life ensures that a scenario is favorable to you. So, it means that you should make the most of your opportunity. Alternatively, you can successfully negotiate and end up with the best possible results.
For example, Shane was in a bit of a jam at work, but she managed to play her cards well. As a result, she was not fired for incompetence, but instead, Shane received a paid vacation to the Bahamas.
Card Playing Phrases #5: To Show One’s Hand
As you might expect, the expression “show your hands” comes from the habit of card players displaying their cards throughout a game. You will usually hear these poker phrases at the end.
To expose one’s hands as a figure of speech indicates to reveal one’s previously hidden plans or intentions to others. Nowadays, these card idioms are commonly used in everyday conversations especially at top online casino Singapore.
Example: Without showing our hands, we couldn’t negotiate with the company’s owner.
Poker Sayings #6: To Shuffle the Cards/Decks
The expression “shuffle the cards” comes from the dealer’s practice of shuffling the deck before each new card game. To ensure that each game is fair, changing the card order is a very important aspect. The phrase’s figurative meaning of this phrase comes from its literal meaning.
As a figure of speech, to shuffle the cards means to adjust, rearrange, or reorganize something that has already been established. This could be rearranging an organization, adjusting a policy, or reorganizing a routine.
For example, No one in the organization was working efficiently. As a result, the new Vice President came prepared to reshuffle the deck and shake things up.
Gambling Sayings #7: Raise the Stakes
While it is quite simple to comprehend what this statement implies in poker, it is not so clear in ordinary people. If you are to look at the meaning of these poker sayings at the Free Dictionary. It will offer you not one, but two possible interpretations.
On the one hand, Raising the stakes signifies “to become more significant or dangerous”. However, it is also synonymous with the expression “to enhance one’s commitment or interest”. Furthermore, raising the stakes suggests the possibility of both winning and losing more. In addition, “Raise the ante” and “increase the ante” are also other related expressions to this gambling phrase.
For example, She was expecting a nice romantic evening with her boyfriend on their anniversary. However, he raised the stakes by taking her to her favorite restaurant and proposing.
Poker Phrases #8: Wild Card
A wild card in a game can represent any card that the player chooses at the best online casino Singapore. In computers, this phrase is also used in replacing an unknown character. Usually, an asterisk represents this wild card.
On the other hand, its figurative definition dates from the mid-nineteenth century. It signifies an unpredictable person or event. You shouldn’t count on something that is a wild card. In a sense, it means all bets are off.
For example, Chloe isn’t planning on attending the office party. She’s the wild card in our office.
Card Playing Phrases #9: House of Cards
This poker phrase refers to a plan or organization with a highly unstable structure that can be readily dismantled. According to some etymology authorities, it was originally employed in a figurative sense by John Milton in the 1640s. Nowadays, these poker sayings are extremely popular.
Truth is, you may have seen or heard of the hit television series of the same name. The House of Cards TV series deals with political drama. Without even reading the series’ plot, one may have a very decent idea of what it will be about based on the title’s use of such a telling idiom.
For example, The boss had no idea that his company, which he referred to as a house of cards, could collapse in a matter of days.
Poker Sayings #10: Follow Suit
“To follow suit” originally meant to play a card of the same suit as the person who came before you. However, this gambling phrase evolves much since then and now has a broader connotation. In addition, it can also refer to someone who imitates or follows someone else’s example. Furthermore, following suit also means following the same pattern.
For example: As a couple of teachers stood helplessly by, the boy jumped out the window and a few other students followed suit.
Poker Phrases #11: Don’t tap on the glass.
You know how lousy poker players are referred to as “fish”. This is because they are prone to donating their money to the rest of the table.
Did you know that you are not supposed to tap the glass of an aquarium? Because you will frighten the fish. Well, this remark is a form of code passed down from one poker shark to another gambler.
Let’s imagine someone is chastising a fish for sucking out on him with a lucky bad play. Someone might say something like, “Don’t tap on the glass,” as a reminder to keep the fish happy. At the very least, just long enough to lose the cash!
Poker Sayings #12: The smarter you play, the luckier you’ll be.
Mark Pilarski, a casino business expert turned professor and author, has a favorite poker saying at the best Singapore online casino. Truth is, it’s even on the banner of his website. It’s a spin-off of pro golfer Gary Player’s adage, “The more I practice, the luckier I get.”
You’ll receive some poor beats in poker. However, you will get just as many lucky breaks as unlucky ones over time. The players that appear to be lucky and win all of the time are the ones who are playing smarter. That is according to Pilarski. In addition, the smart poker player is more likely to wind up with the winning hand. It is similar to a terrific golfer who practices hard. He is more likely to hit a seemingly lucky hole-in-one.
Gambling Phrase #13: Poker Face
When you put on your poker face, you’re expressing no feelings. For example. You have a fully neutral facial expression that reveals no emotions. In gambling, having a poker face is a big advantage most especially if you are playing a real money poker game. It means, your opponents will have a hard time predicting your next move.
Poker Phrases #14: Cash In One’s Chips
While the literal meaning of the phrase has a very good sense — it implies you’ve had enough of gambling. Therefore, you are ready to collect your profits – the figurative meaning is far more macabre. It emphasizes:
- The situation’s finality
- Highlighting the end of gaming
- Life in a symbolic sense
Furthermore, cashing in one’s chips refers to the act of dying or passing away.
Poker Sayings #15: All Bets Are Off
It denotes the fact that the result of a situation or occurrence is uncertain. It comes from the idea that there have been some unexpected changes. Since the situation is uncertain, no one would be willing to take any bets. Therefore, they are off the table.
Playing Card Puns and Funny Poker Quotes
As promised, we also compiled a list of playing card puns that will at the very least make you smile. Anyway, some of the jokes are silly, but that’s why we’re here, right? For you to have a good time while playing at your favorite online live casino Singapore. So, enjoy and have fun!
Card Jokes #1: Why do the pirates cannot play any card games? This is because they’re standing on the deck!
Card Jokes #2: Marriage is similar to a game of cards. At first, all you’ll need is two hearts and a diamond. However, in the end, you wish you had a spade and a club instead.
Playing Card Puns #3: In a casino, your best odds of getting a Royal Flush is in the bathroom.
Funny Poker Jokes #4: What are the symptoms that you are a poker addict? When you name your kids Raise and Check.
Poker Jokes #5: What kind of animal always wins at a poker game? It is not a cheetah but a bluffalo.
