have (all) the cards
have (all) the cards
To be in a position of power or control over someone or something else. The phrase alludes to having the best cards in a card game (which would result in victory). Now that Charlotte knows about us, she has all the cards—I imagine it won't be long until she tells my wife what she saw. I saw my brother break the vase, so I have the cards right now and can get him to do anything I want.
See also: card, have
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- be pushing up (the) daisies
- be pushing up daisies
- be pushing up the daisies
- champ at the bit
- champ at the bit, to
- tell (one) what (one) can do with (something)
- tell someone what to do with something
- tell what to do with
- a back number
- back number