in the cards

phrase

variants or less commonly on the cards

: inevitable

success just wasn't in the cards for her

Examples of in the cards in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kreiz, who announced his exit from Mattel earlier Wednesday, was already talking with Ellison about a high-level exec post at ParaBros – but the co-pilot gig didn’t always seem to be in the cards. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026

For example, missions to the moon and Mars — which are definitely in the cards, according to SpaceX — will require Ship to be fueled up in Earth orbit, something that the company has not yet demonstrated. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026

When a future playing isn’t in the cards, don’t be surprised to see Coach Madsen develop in the Treasure Valley. — Idaho Statesman, 23 Sep. 2026

In a move widely anticipated by Wall Street, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point and suggested one more increase could be in the cards before year-end. — Jeff Cox,darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in the cards

• bodyguards
• boulevards
• disregards
• backyards
• blackguards
• churchyards
• courtyards
• discards
• dockyards
• graveyards
• lifeguards
• postcards