LarkMarlow
Legend
Silver Level
Lately I've been noticing how many poker phrases and terms are in common use, even by people who have never played and by some who actually disapprove of the game.
I was recently on the campaign committee of a highly controversial candidate. When we were discussing strategy, one of gals on the team, who happens to totally dismiss my interest in poker, said, "Well that's our ace in the hole.' I looked at her and said, "You know that phrase comes from poker, right?" Her haughty response was, "It does not, for goodness sake."
Hilarious?! I'll say. Anyway, that got me to wondering how many more such phrases are used so frequently that people no longer associate or have no clue about the connection.
In addition to "ace in the hole", the following come immediately to mind:
--when the chips are down
--he called her bluff
--she has that down pat
--he plays his cards close to his chest
--we don't want to tip that hand yet
--be careful because he always has a card or two up his sleeve
Any more that anyone can think of?
I was recently on the campaign committee of a highly controversial candidate. When we were discussing strategy, one of gals on the team, who happens to totally dismiss my interest in poker, said, "Well that's our ace in the hole.' I looked at her and said, "You know that phrase comes from poker, right?" Her haughty response was, "It does not, for goodness sake."
Hilarious?! I'll say. Anyway, that got me to wondering how many more such phrases are used so frequently that people no longer associate or have no clue about the connection.
In addition to "ace in the hole", the following come immediately to mind:
--when the chips are down
--he called her bluff
--she has that down pat
--he plays his cards close to his chest
--we don't want to tip that hand yet
--be careful because he always has a card or two up his sleeve
Any more that anyone can think of?