hold the cards
Possess the advantage
To hold the cards is to be in a position of power or control in a situation, with the ability to determine how things will proceed.
The expression comes from card games where having good cards gives you the advantage.
It often appears as hold all the cards, emphasizing complete dominance: The landlord holds all the cards in this negotiation.
Someone who holds the cards can dictate terms to others who must accept whatever is offered.
- upper handPosition of control
- in the driver's seatHaving control or authority
- advantageFavorable position or circumstance
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
sway · whip hand · influence · power · supremacy · dominance · bargaining chip · mastery · control · ace in the hole · authority · choice · clout · edge · stacked deck · positioning · persuasion · impact