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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")
Disapproving
Idiom
InformalWhat 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 trickster stacked the deck, ensuring the king of hearts would be drawn.
He secretly stacked the deck to ensure he got the winning hand.
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.
The gambler was caught stacking the cards during the poker game.
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