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to not play with a full deck
01
to lack intelligence or rationality
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "not play with a full deck" and when to use it?
The idiom "not play with a full deck" likely originates from the world of card games, where a complete deck is necessary for fair and functional play. In this context, someone "not playing with a full deck" suggests a lack of mental completeness or sharpness, akin to a deck of cards missing some cards. The expression is used figuratively to describe individuals perceived as mentally challenged, irrational, or lacking common sense.
Example
She insists that her bizarre theories are true, but everyone thinks she's not playing with a full deck.
After his strange explanation for the missing files, it's clear he's not playing with a full deck.
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