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show hand

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show one's hand

Fig. to reveal one's intentions to someone. (From card games.) I don't know whether Jim is intending to marry Jane or not. He's not one to show his hand. If you want to get a raise, don't show the boss your hand too soon.

See also: hand, show

show your hand

to tell people your plans or ideas, especially if you were keeping them secret before

Usage notes: When card players show their hand in a game of cards, they show the other players the cards they are holding, usually because they cannot continue to play the game.

I'm a bit reluctant to show my hand at this stage in the proceedings.

See also: hand, show

show (one's) hand

1. Games To display one's cards with faces up.

2. To state one's intentions or reveal one's resources, especially when previously hidden.

See also: hand, show