Hold All the Cards - Idiom of the Day for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Idioms such as ‘Hold All the Cards’ would add to the development of lexical resources in the IELTS Speaking and Writing answers. The idiom can help you to discuss different topics such as power, decision-making, competition, and social relations which you would encounter frequently in the IELTS Exam. The correct use of idioms can improve your language which would help in showcasing a higher language proficiency. To get a band 8+, it is necessary to dive into the meaning, context, and practical examples to make sure that you are using it in a natural way.

Meaning of ‘Hold All the Cards’

Learning a new idiom might sound daunting but once you get familiar with the important aspect related to the IELTS Vocabulary, you can use it with ease. Before including the idiom in your preparation, you must get the knowledge about the word's definition, its usage, and the sentence structure where it can fit in context. The following table provides information about the meaning, synonyms, and example sentences for the idiom ‘Hold All the Cards’ which will help you master this expression in the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections.

Check out the video below to learn 9 IELTS Speaking IDIOMS for BAND 9 SCORE!

Top 3 Scenarios to Use ‘Hold All the Cards’ in IELTS Speaking & Writing Sections

The idiomatic expression ‘Hold All the Cards’ is appropriate for analytical discussions where authority, power, or negotiations are involved. Even though idioms can elevate your IELTS Speaking & Writing answers, these will help you to know when they are appropriate in context. The following are the top 3 scenarios or situations when this idiom can be used to prove your lexical control in the exam.

• Scenario 1:

The use of the idiomatic expression in this conversation shows the exact authority and control in a very concise manner. The idiom does not directly mention that the General Manager is the ultimate decision maker but indirectly shows that he has the power to influence the company's main outcomes. This provides focus on Gita's advice, making it more vivid and realistic which will make you understand how such situations are portrayed in daily life. In addition to that, the idiom contributes to the sentence and showcases variety and richness.

• Scenario 2:

The use of the idiom in this dialogue elevates the quality of the conversation because it expresses the idea of control and authority without an extensive explanation. If the company holds all the cards, it shows that the organization has the whole decision-making power and also the sole rights to the product information. Therefore, the negation becomes less personal.

• Scenario 3:

The speaker’s use of the idiom here is very helpful since it efficiently showcases a complex idea and mentions the one who has the power or control in the situation. Rather than taking a long time to describe that Jenny’s mother-in-law is the one who makes all the decisions, the idiom directly conveys the idea of dominance and influence. This makes Jenny’s answer less common and more expressive which shows  a casual tone to the conversation. 

Exercise on the Idiom ‘Hold All the Cards’

It is now time to improve your skills at using the idiom ‘Hold All the Cards’ in your answers. The exercise provided below will help you to practice its grammatical forms and usage, eliminate any mistakes, and show your lexical control.

1 The project went _____________ despite careful planning thus letting poor coordination take the blame.

2 Before the interview, she was ____________ nervous as it was her first major opportunity.

3 After many years of perseverance, he managed to ____________ and finally got to the point of being financially stable.

4 Big companies usually ____________ in bargaining with little suppliers and this way they still have a clear edge over.

5 The moment he got the good news, he was ____________ and simply couldn't stop smiling.

6 He finally ____________ and relocated for his career.

Answer to the Exercise on the Idiom ‘Hold All the Cards’ 

How was it? Were you able to find the answers? Now, you should be comparing your responses with the correct answers and check the areas of improvement. This type of exercises will increase your understanding of the idiom’s correct usage and make you become confident in applying it to get a higher IELTS band score.

1. Fall apart
2. On edge
3. Make ends meet
4. Hold all the cards
5. Over the moon
6. Take the plunge

By practising regularly with this idiom in different situations,, you can elevate your preparation for the Speaking and IELTS Writing sections. Using idioms accurately can demonstrate your strong Lexical Resource, grammatical awareness, and communicative clarity. So, keep on practising to learn how to use such vocabulary in the right context and improve your language skills.

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Also Check: 

• Five Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary
• 1200 Common Words in IELTS Listening
• IELTS Vocabulary Words List for Band 8 or 9
• How to Build Vocabulary for the IELTS Exam: Practical Tips
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+