cards are stacked against (someone)

idiom

used to describe a situation in which one person or group is disadvantaged or faces difficult circumstances as compared to others often in a way that is unfair
In many ways, the cards are stacked against immigrants.

Examples of cards are stacked against (someone) in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This judge is out of control and now the cards are stacked against Donald Trump. Fox News, 30 May 2024 The luck of the draw is especially appealing when the cards are stacked against you. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024 From graduating during a global pandemic to current fears around inflation, wage stagnation, growing inequality, and an impending recession, many feel that the cards are stacked against them. Molly Barth, Fortune, 27 June 2023 The cards are stacked against women artists exploring this kind of secret life. Vulture, 20 Mar. 2023 Millennials and Gen Zs have come of age in a time when the cards are stacked against them; their politics are a tea steeped in ruinous wars abroad and a financial collapse at home. Charlotte Kilpatrick, The New Republic, 7 Feb. 2023 Lum said that the perception that the cards are stacked against Asian students looms large. NBC News, 3 May 2022 The cards are stacked against smaller brands for a plethora of reasons, especially when the first product launch is a bonafide sensation. Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cards are stacked against (someone).' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near cards are stacked against (someone)

cards and spades

cards are stacked against (someone)

card setter

Cite this Entry

“Cards are stacked against (someone).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cards%20are%20stacked%20against%20%28someone%29. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!