Play one's trump card meaning

To play one's trump card means to use one's most powerful or effective strategy or resource in order to gain an advantage.


Play one's trump card definitions

Word backwards yalp s'eno pmurt drac
Part of speech In the phrase "play one's trump card," the word "play" is a verb.
Syllabic division play one's trump card Syllable separation: play / one's / trump / card
Plural The plural of "play one's trump card" is "play one's trump cards".
Total letters 17
Vogais (4) a,o,e,u
Consonants (10) p,l,y,n,s,t,r,m,c,d

Play One's Trump Card

When it comes to strategic thinking and decision-making, the expression "playing one's trump card" holds significant importance. This idiom refers to the act of using a resource or advantage at the most opportune moment to secure success or gain an advantage in a situation.

Origin of the Term

The term "trump card" comes from card games, especially games like bridge or whist, where a trump card is a playing card that outranks all others. By extension, "playing one's trump card" has come to mean using a powerful resource or tactic to gain an advantage.

Strategic Advantage

When faced with a challenging situation or competition, it is essential to know when to play one's trump card. This could involve revealing a hidden skill, leveraging a valuable connection, or unveiling a groundbreaking idea that can turn the tide in one's favor.

Timing and Precision

Playing one's trump card requires careful consideration of timing and precision. It is not enough to have a valuable resource; knowing when to deploy it for maximum impact is crucial. Sometimes, holding onto the trump card until the right moment can make all the difference.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Successful individuals and organizations are adept at playing their trump cards while remaining flexible and adaptable. Being able to shift strategies, pivot when necessary, and know when to change course is essential for long-term success.

In conclusion, playing one's trump card is about utilizing a powerful advantage at the most opportune moment. By understanding the origins of the term, recognizing the strategic advantage it offers, and mastering the art of timing and precision, individuals and organizations can set themselves up for success in various situations.


Play one's trump card Examples

  1. During the negotiation, she decided to play her trump card by revealing the company's true financial status.
  2. In a game of poker, he finally had to play his trump card to win the pot.
  3. The CEO saved his trump card for the annual meeting when he announced the company's groundbreaking technology.
  4. As the debate heated up, the candidate played her trump card by presenting new evidence to support her argument.
  5. The football team's coach saved his best player for the last quarter, playing his trump card at the perfect moment.
  6. The detective waited until the end of the investigation to play his trump card - a crucial witness who had been in hiding.
  7. The magician's final trick was his trump card, leaving the audience in awe of his skills.
  8. During the chess tournament, the player strategically waited to play his trump card, surprising his opponent with a brilliant move.
  9. The author saved his most compelling argument for the conclusion of his book, playing his trump card to leave readers with a lasting impression.
  10. As the team fell behind in the game, the coach decided to play his trump card by switching up the lineup and turning the tide.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 19/05/2024 - 17:03:33