avoir les cartes en main

== French == === Etymology === Literally, “to have the cards in the hand”. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /a.vwaʁ le kaʁ.t‿ɑ̃ mɛ̃/ === Verb === avoir les cartes en main (figuratively) to hold the cards, to hold all the aces (to be in a strong position, possessing significant advantages over someone else) (figuratively) to have everything one needs to do something, to deal with a situation, a problem avoir toutes les cartes en main pour prendre une décision ― to have all that is necessary to make a decision avoir toutes les cartes en main pour réussir ― to have all that is needed to succeed ==== Usage notes ==== In sense 2, chiefly used with toutes: avoir toutes les cartes en main.