What does “Trump card” mean?
"A trump card" means a powerful or effective strategy or resource that can be used to gain an advantage or achieve success.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He played his Trump card and won the game.
Example
The company's Trump card is their innovative technology.
Example
She saved her best idea as a Trump card for the final presentation
Is “Trump card” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Trump card” 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 “Trump card” effectively in context?
You can use "Trump card" to describe a powerful or effective strategy or resource that someone uses to gain an advantage or achieve success. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase:
- 1Sports
In the final minutes of the game, he played his Trump card by substituting in their star player, who scored the winning goal.
- 2Business
The company's Trump card is their innovative technology, which gives them a competitive edge in the market.
- 3Presentations
She saved her best idea as a Trump card for the final presentation, impressing the audience and securing the deal.
Similar phrases to “Trump card”:
Game-changer
Something that significantly alters the course or outcome of a situation
Example
The new product launch was a game-changer for the company.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Trump card” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Trump card" is derived from the card game called 'trumps,' which originated in the 16th century. In this game, certain cards outrank others, and the highest-ranking card is known as the 'trump card.' Over time, the term 'trump card' has been adopted to refer to any powerful or effective strategy or resource that can be used to gain an advantage or achieve success.
Is “Trump card” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Trump card" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is often used in various contexts, such as sports, business, and personal situations, to describe a powerful or effective strategy or resource.
What tone does “Trump card” have?
"Trump card" conveys a tone of strength and advantage. It implies that someone has a secret weapon or a powerful resource that can give them an edge over others.
Can “Trump card” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Trump card" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in casual conversations with friends or 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, 'He played his "Trump card" and won the game.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to use my "Trump card"!' to imply readiness to use a powerful strategy or resource.