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3. in the cards

in the cards

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*in the cards

Fig. in the future. (*Typically: be ~; see something ~.) Well, what do you think is in the cards for tomorrow? I asked the boss if there was a raise in the cards for me.

See also: card

in the cards

also on the cards

very likely to happen I think winning the World Series this year is definitely in the cards for Boston. Some reports suggest that a tax cut is still on the cards.

Etymology: based on the use of tarot cards (a set of cards with pictures representing different parts of life) that are believed to be able to show what will happen in the future

See also: card

in the cards

Likely or certain to happen, as in I don't think Jim will win-it's just not in the cards. This term, originally put as on the cards, alludes to the cards used in fortune-telling. [Early 1800s]

See also: card

in the cards

Likely or certain to happen: My promotion to a higher position just isn't in the cards.

See also: card