play your cards right

Meaning

1. Oxford100% of films

   to deal successfully with a particular situation so that you achieve some advantage or sth that you want

   Very likely he'll admit both of us if you play your cards right.

   Mike, if you play your cards right, we can get a job for us both.

In the movies · 6

• Well, I've been thinking, if you play your cards right,Puss in Boots: The Last Wish2022
• Very likely he'll admit both of us if you play your cards right.Mary Reilly1996
• Just kind of give him an idea of what he might be in for if he plays his cards right.Whatever Works2009
• You play your cards right, you might get a part of the cut.The Taking of Pelham 1232009
• I'm trying to help you out. If you play your cards right...Three Kings1999
• Mike, if you play your cards right, we can get a job for us both.The Lady from Shanghai1947
• Now, you play your little cards right and instead of a piece of outtlebone...The Bad Seed1956
• You play your cards right and you'll never have to worry about money again.Meet John Doe1941

Learn it in full scenes

• Puss in Boots: The Last Wish2022
  • Puss Crashes His Own Fiesta
  • Puss Learns He Has Died
  • The Doctor Gives Puss His Last Life
• Whatever Works2009
  • Boris Breaks the Fourth Wall
  • Boris Panics and Jumps Out the Window
  • Boris Takes Melodie In

From the same entry

• best card
• get your cards
• give their cards
• have a card up your sleeve
• hold all the cards
• hold your cards close to your chest
• lay your cards on the table
• on the cards
• play the… card
• tip your hand
• the cards are stacked against you
• the cards are stacked in your favour

More idioms

• be torn
• do the trick
• not a bit
• a needle in a haystack
• get out of your system
• go your separate ways
• hands up
• in a manner of speaking
• pick up the pieces
• go back a long way
• have a soft spot for
• in this day and age