overplay one's hand

idiom

: to make a mistake due to the belief that one's position is stronger or better than it really is
The union overplayed its hand by demanding too much, causing the company to withdraw what would have been its best offer.

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Cite this Entry

“Overplay one's hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overplay%20one%27s%20hand. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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