“Return in spades” is a commonly used idiom in the English language, which is often employed to describe a situation where something is given or received to an even greater extent than expected or desired.
When someone says that they have received something “in spades,” they mean that they have received an abundance or an ample amount of it. The phrase originates from the card game of bridge, where “spades” is one of the four suits. In bridge, if a player has a strong hand with many spades, they are likely to win a greater number of tricks or points. So, when something is said to be returned “in spades,” it means that it has been returned in large amounts or with a heightened intensity.
For example, if someone works hard and puts in extra effort at their job, they might receive recognition or praise “in spades” from their boss or colleagues. This means that they receive an overwhelming amount of recognition or appreciation for their hard work. Similarly, if someone shows kindness or generosity towards others, they might receive gratitude or appreciation “in spades,” meaning that they are thanked or acknowledged in an exceptionally great manner.
Meaning of the phrase “return in spades”
The phrase “return in spades” is an idiomatic expression that is commonly used in English. It originates from the card game of spades, where “spades” is one of the four suits in the deck. In the game of spades, winning a trick with a spade card gives you a higher score than winning with cards from the other suits.
When this phrase is used in a figurative sense, it means that something is being returned or repaid in abundance or with great intensity. It suggests that the outcome or result of a situation is exceeding expectations or going above and beyond what was anticipated.
The use of “spades” in this expression emphasizes the idea of something being returned in a significant and exaggerated manner. It adds a sense of emphasis and intensity to the meaning of the phrase.
Example:
After months of hard work and dedication, Sarah’s efforts were rewarded when she received a promotion and a substantial pay raise. Her commitment to the company had finally paid off in spades.
In this example, the phrase “paid off in spades” conveys the idea that Sarah’s efforts resulted in a significant and abundant return, with the promotion and pay raise being more rewarding than expected.
Overall, the phrase “return in spades” is a vibrant and expressive way of describing something being returned or repaid in an amplified and extraordinary manner.
Origin and History
The phrase “return in spades” has its roots in the game of bridge, which is a card game that requires strategy and skill. In bridge, the suit of spades is considered to be the highest-ranking suit, and winning tricks with spades is desirable.
The term “return in spades” comes from the act of returning a trick with a higher card of the same suit, specifically a spade. This move demonstrates dominance and superiority, as it shows that the player has a strong hand and is in control of the game.
Over time, the phrase “return in spades” has been adopted into everyday language to describe situations where someone exceeds expectations or surpasses a previous achievement. It implies a level of excellence or success that is above and beyond what was anticipated or required.
It is important to note that the term “return in spades” is often used in a figurative sense and does not necessarily involve the game of bridge. It has become a common idiom in English language and can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from personal accomplishments to business achievements.
Definition of the idiom
The idiom “return in spades” is an idiomatic expression used in English to convey a strong emphasis on the return or response being discussed. The phrase “in spades” is a metaphorical extension of the playing card term, where a spade is the highest-ranking suit in certain card games.
When someone says that something “returns in spades,” they mean that it comes back or responds in an even greater or more intense manner than expected. The use of “spades” in this context emphasizes the degree or magnitude of the return.
This idiomatic expression is often used in situations where there is a significant or exaggerated response, outcome, or result. It conveys the idea that not only did the expected response occur, but it exceeded expectations or was delivered in a particularly emphatic or emphatic way.
For example, if someone says, “He worked hard and his efforts paid off in spades,” they are indicating that the person’s hard work resulted in a significant, and possibly unexpected, success. The use of “spades” emphasizes the extent or magnitude of the success.
Overall, the idiom “return in spades” is used to emphasize a strong or exaggerated response or outcome, highlighting the idea of an even greater or more intense return than expected.
Usage in popular culture
In popular culture, the phrase “return in spades” is often used to express an intense or exaggerated response to something. It can be found in various forms of media, such as movies, television shows, and books.
For example, in the movie “The Dark Knight,” the character Joker, played by Heath Ledger, says the famous line, “I took Gotham’s white knight and I brought him down to our level. It wasn’t hard. See, madness, as you know, is like gravity. All it takes is a little push.” This line can be interpreted as the Joker returning in spades, as he not only brings chaos to Gotham City but also challenges the ethical beliefs of Batman.
In literature, the phrase can be seen in George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, particularly in the character of Tyrion Lannister. Tyrion often returns in spades when he confronts his enemies with his sharp wit and intelligence, outsmarting them at every turn.
Overall, the phrase “return in spades” adds a dramatic flair to any situation, emphasizing the intensity and impact of a person or action. It has become a popular expression in popular culture to describe a strong or emphatic comeback or response.
Similar idioms and expressions
Return in spades is just one of many idioms and expressions that convey a similar meaning. Here are a few others:
- Return the favor: When someone does something nice for you and you want to do something nice for them in return.
- Pay someone back in kind: To respond to someone’s actions with actions of a similar nature.
- Get what’s coming to you: To receive the consequences, whether good or bad, of one’s actions or behavior.
- Reap what you sow: To experience the outcomes, whether positive or negative, that are a result of one’s own actions.
- Get your just deserts: To receive the appropriate punishment or reward for one’s actions.
These idioms and expressions all convey the idea that actions have consequences and that what goes around comes around. They emphasize the idea of receiving a return, whether positive or negative, for one’s actions.
