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to overplay one's hand
01
to fail to achieve success by having too much confidence in one's ability or position
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What is the origin of the idiom "overplay one's hand" and when to use it?
The phrase "overplay one's hand" originated in card games like poker, where it refers to being overly confident and making excessive bets based on a weak hand, leading to negative outcomes.This idiom is used when someone becomes too ambitious or confident, pushing their advantage too far and leading to negative consequences, often in negotiations, business, or relationships.
Example
He overplayed his hand in the negotiation by demanding too much, causing the deal to fall through.
The company overplayed its hand by increasing prices drastically, resulting in a significant loss of customers.
The politician's attempt to gain more power backfired as she overplayed her hand and lost support from her constituents.
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