avoir les cartes en main
French edit
Etymology edit
Literally, “to have the cards in the hand”.
Pronunciation edit
Verb edit
- (figuratively) to hold the cards, to hold all the aces (to be in a strong position, possessing significant advantages over someone else)
- (figuratively) to have everything one needs to do something, to deal with a situation, a problem
- avoir toutes les cartes en main pour prendre une décision ― to have all that is necessary to make a decision
- avoir toutes les cartes en main pour réussir ― to have all that is needed to succeed
Usage notes edit
- In sense 2, chiefly used with toutes: avoir toutes les cartes en main.