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to stack the cards
01
to arrange situations or conditions to achieve a preferred result by giving oneself an unfair advantage
![to [stack] the (cards|deck) definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/44728/original/?type=jpeg "to [stack] the (cards|deck) definition and meaning")
What is the origin of the idiom "stack the cards" and when to use it?
The idiom "stack the cards" originated from the practice of arranging a deck of playing cards in a way that gives the person manipulating the cards an unfair advantage, typically in card games or gambling situations, with the intent of achieving a desired outcome. This manipulation often involved cheating or deception to ensure a favorable result. Over time, the expression evolved into a figurative idiom to describe any situation where one attempts to unfairly tilt the odds in their favor by arranging or influencing factors or conditions.
Example
The company's management had stacked the deck by making it nearly impossible for employees to unionize.
It's clear that they've stacked the cards against the smaller businesses, making it impossible for them to compete.
In the political race, the incumbent candidate seemed to have stacked the deck in his favor with extensive campaign funding.
The manager stacked the deck by giving all the best assignments to his favorite employees.
To ensure their team's victory, the coach was accused of stacking the cards by recruiting the best players from other schools.
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