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3. play with a full deck

play with a full deck

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play with a full deck

 

1. Lit. to play cards with a complete deck, containing all the cards. Are we playing with a full deck or did some card drop on the floor? I haven't seen the three of hearts all evening!

2. Fig. to operate as if one were mentally sound. (Usually in the negative. One cannot play cards properly with a partial deck.) That guy's not playing with a full deck. Look sharp, you dummies! Pretend you are playing with a full deck.

See also: deck, full, play

play with a full deck

in. to operate as if one were mentally sound. (Usually in the negative. One cannot play cards with a partial deck.) Look sharp, you dummies! Pretend you are playing with a full deck.

See also: deck, full, play

play with a full deck

Slang

To be of sound mind: didn't seem to be playing with a full deck.

See also: deck, full, play