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Free Spirit English / September 11, 2019

11. Play Your Cards Right – Learn English Idioms with Videos

Do you always take advantage of the opportunities that come your way? If you want to be successful, it’s important to play your cards right or to make the best choices possible with the opportunities and information available to you.

Have a look at the examples in the video below. How would you use today’s idiom to talk about your own life?

Learn English - Everyday Idioms #11. Play Your Cards Right

Transcript

Play your cards right? Like, play a card game well? Yes, quite like that actually! To play your cards right means to take advantage of your skills or the opportunities that you get, or to do things very well when given an opportunity, like playing a card game well when you get good cards.

Let’s look at a few examples using this phrase in context:

  • I have a job interview on Friday. If I play my cards right, I could be a computer programmer by the weekend!
  • Anna sits next to me in class. If I play my cards right, she might agree to come to the school dance with me!
  • This company has given you all a great opportunity, but if you want this promotion, you have got to play your cards right.
  • Michael is an exceptionally talented guitarist. If he plays his cards right, he could go pro.

So there you have it: play your cards right. Now it’s over to you: Write some sentences using this phrase in the comments section below or on our Facebook page!

Practice

Here are some prompts to get you started on creating your own sentences with this idiom.

  • You’ve decided to buy a new apartment. What does your housing agent say to you?
  • You’re entering into a tough negotiation with another company. What does your boss say?
  • Your friend is getting a divorce. What does his or her lawyer say?

We hope you’ve enjoyed today’s lesson from Free Spirit English. Visit our video archives for more great lessons to help you build your knowledge of English vocabulary and common expressions fast.

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Filed Under: Everyday Idioms, Videos

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