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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
Dictionary Entries Near cards are stacked against (someone)
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 25 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share