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house of cards

noun phrase

: a structure, situation, or institution that is insubstantial, shaky, or in constant danger of collapse

Examples of house of cards in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even the strongest foundation can turn into a house of cards. Doug Haller, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025 His arrest and subsequent trial blew it over like a house of cards, though, tarnishing Combs' reputation with claims of domestic abuse, intimidation and rampant drug use. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025 Just as frustrating for CEOs is the lingering sense that this entire house of cards might collapse at any moment due to a court reversal. Jason Ma, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2025 But Laesch views much of that progress as a house of cards, with too many new businesses opening up that had no good plans for sustainability. Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for house of cards

Word History

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of house of cards was in 1645

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Cite this Entry

“House of cards.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/house%20of%20cards. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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