FluencyCraft

card

"Card" is a very common English word with several useful meanings. Most of the time it refers to a small, flat piece of material used for various purposes — but it can also be a verb and even a figurative expression. Here are the most important senses.

1nounphysical card (paper or plastic)

A card is a small, flat, rectangular piece of stiff paper or plastic. Think of the things in your wallet — your ID, your bank card, your bus pass. These are all cards. They are thin, easy to carry, and usually have information printed on them.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She handed the receptionist her ID card at the entrance.

I paid for the groceries with my credit card.

He keeps his business card in his jacket pocket.

2noungreeting card

A card can also be a folded piece of paper with a message inside, given to someone on a special occasion — like a birthday, holiday, or wedding. You write a personal note inside and give it to show you care.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She sent her grandmother a card for her 80th birthday.

Don't forget to sign the card before we give it to the teacher.

He received dozens of get-well cards while he was in hospital.

3nounplaying card

A playing card is one of the 52 small cards used in card games. Each card has a number or picture (like a King or Queen) and belongs to one of four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, or spades.

games and leisure · Modern, widely used

He dealt seven cards to each player at the start of the game.

She had the ace of spades — the highest card in the deck.

They played cards all evening after dinner.

4verbto check someone's ID

When a shop, bar, or club 'cards' you, they ask to see your identification to check that you are old enough to buy alcohol or enter a venue. This is very common in everyday spoken English.

everyday language, hospitality · Modern, widely used

The bartender carded everyone who looked under 30.

I got carded at the door even though I'm 25.

They card people strictly at that club — always bring your ID.

5nounfigurativefigurative: a card up your sleeve

When someone has 'a card up their sleeve', it means they have a secret advantage or plan that they have not revealed yet. Imagine a cheater in a card game hiding a card in their sleeve — that is where this image comes from.

everyday language, business · Modern, widely used · figurative

The lawyer still had one card up her sleeve before the final hearing.

Don't worry — the team has a few cards up their sleeve for the second half.

He seemed to be losing the negotiation, but he had one last card to play.

Content generated by AI — may contain inaccuracies