overplay one's hand

/ˌəʊvəplˈeɪ wˈɒnz hˈand/

/ˌoʊvɚplˈeɪ wˈʌnz hˈænd/

[phrase]

to overplay one's hand

[PHRASE]

to fail to achieve success by having too much confidence in one's ability or position

to [overplay] {one's} hand definition and meaning

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.

Examples

1. Did Herbert D overplay his hand when he started to act like Elon Musk earlier on this year.

2. That if you hammer Him On questions that he clearly is not willing to ANSWER, that you look bad and that you overplay your hand?

Nearby words

kill the goose that lays the golden egg

final nail in the coffin

on the rocks

not give up the day job

push it

throw hand in

writing is on the wall

a losing battle

a wall

chase tail