What does “House of cards” mean?
"House of cards" means a situation or plan that is very weak and likely to fail.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Their business strategy is like a house of cards, one wrong move and everything will collapse.
Example
The politician's career is built on a house of cards, any scandal could bring him down.
Example
Their relationship is like a house of cards, one small argument and it could all fall apart
Is “House of cards” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“House of cards” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “House of cards” effectively in context?
You can use "House of Cards" to describe a situation or plan that is very weak and likely to fail. It emphasizes the fragility and instability of the situation. For example, if someone is relying on a risky investment strategy, you might say, 'Their financial plan is like a house of cards, one wrong move and everything will collapse.'
- 1Business
Their business strategy is like a house of cards, one wrong move and everything will collapse.
- 2Politics
The politician's career is built on a house of cards, any scandal could bring him down.
- 3Relationships
Their relationship is like a house of cards, one small argument and it could all fall apart.
Similar phrases to “House of cards”:
Jenga tower
A situation or plan that is delicate and can easily collapse if one wrong move is made
Example
Their project is like a Jenga tower, any mistake could bring the whole thing down.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “House of cards” come from?
The origin of the phrase "House of Cards" is unknown. However, it is believed to have originated from the practice of building card houses, where a slight disturbance can cause the entire structure to collapse.
Is “House of cards” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "House of Cards" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations or plans that are unstable or likely to fail.
What tone does “House of cards” have?
"House of Cards" conveys a tone of warning and caution. It suggests that the situation or plan being described is precarious and could easily collapse.
Can “House of cards” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "House of Cards" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of fragility and instability. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Their business model is like a house of cards, one wrong move and everything will collapse.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Their plan is a house of cards!' to imply its fragility.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- fragile situation
- unstable plan
- precarious scenario
- risky proposition
- weak foundation
Antonyms
- solid plan
- stable situation
- strong foundation
- secure scenario
- reliable proposition
