hold the cards

== English == === Alternative forms === hold all the cards === Pronunciation === === Verb === hold the cards (third-person singular simple present holds the cards, present participle holding the cards, simple past and past participle held the cards) (idiomatic) To be in a strong position, possessing significant advantages over someone else; to be in control of a situation involving multiple parties. Synonyms: hold all the aces, hold the aces ==== Usage notes ==== Often used in the present participial form: holding the cards. ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ====