English in a Minute: Phrases with 'cards'
Learning English Vocabulary
BBC
4.5 • 523 Ratings
🗓️ 4 March 2026
⏱️ 1 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
There are a few phrases in English about card games. Learn what it means to lay all your cards on the table, and more in this podcast.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | BBC Sounds, Music, radio, podcasts. |
| 0:06.0 | You're listening to BBC LearningEnglish.com. |
| 0:11.0 | These are cards, and there are some phrases with cards. Here are four. |
| 0:19.5 | If you play your cards right, it means you act wisely in order to get what you want. |
| 0:25.5 | I brought cake into the office today, so if you play your cards right, I might give you some. |
| 0:30.7 | If you put or lay your cards on the table, you're open and honest about your intentions or feelings. |
| 0:37.2 | Okay, everyone, cards on the table. |
| 0:39.4 | Do we want to continue with this project or not? |
| 0:42.6 | If you keep or hold your cards close to your chest, it's the opposite. |
| 0:47.0 | You're secretive about your feelings or intentions. |
| 0:50.3 | I tried talking to him, but he's keeping his cards very close to his chest. |
| 0:55.3 | Finally, if something is on the cards, then it might happen. |
| 0:59.4 | A concert tour from my favourite artist might be on the cards this year. |
| 1:03.4 | Fingers crossed. |
| 1:04.9 | Okay, all cards on the table. |
| 1:06.8 | I think you should learn these phrases and practice them this week. |
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