Have you ever heard someone say “he has it in spades” or “she has talent in spades” and wondered what they meant? This popular idiom is used to describe someone who possesses a particular quality or skill in abundance. To have something “in spades” means to have a plentiful or excessive amount of it. It originated from the game of bridge, where spades is the highest-ranking suit.
When someone says that someone else “has it in spades,” they are emphasizing that the person has an exceptional amount of a certain quality or skill. It implies that they possess it to a degree that surpasses what is typically seen or expected. For example, if someone says “she has talent in spades,” they are stating that the person has an extraordinary amount of talent.
The phrase “has it in spades” can be used to describe various qualities or skills, such as talent, intelligence, charisma, creativity, or even negative traits like arrogance or stubbornness. It is a versatile idiom that can be applied in different contexts, depending on the specific quality being referred to.
Next time you hear someone say “he has it in spades,” you’ll understand that they are praising the person for possessing an exceptional amount of a certain quality. It’s an idiom that adds an extra emphasis to the abundance of a particular trait, making it a powerful expression to use in conversations.
Understanding the phrase
The phrase “has it in spades” is an idiomatic expression that originated from the game of cards, particularly in the game of Bridge. In the game, spades are the highest-ranking suit, and if a player has a strong hand with many spades, they are likely to win many tricks. Therefore, having something “in spades” means having a large amount or a great abundance of that particular thing.
This expression is used to emphasize the presence or extent of a quality or attribute, often in a positive sense. For example, if someone has intelligence in spades, it means that they possess a significant amount of intelligence. Similarly, if someone has talent in spades, it means they have an exceptional talent or skill.
The phrase can also be used to indicate a negative attribute or quality. For instance, if someone has laziness in spades, it means that they have an extreme level of laziness.
Overall, “has it in spades” is a figurative expression that conveys a strong emphasis on the presence or abundance of a particular quality or attribute, whether positive or negative.
Origins of the phrase
The phrase “has it in spades” originated from the card game called bridge. In bridge, spades is one of the four suits, along with hearts, diamonds, and clubs. Each suit has a ranking, with spades considered the highest-ranking suit. When a player has a lot of spades in their hand, it means they have a strong advantage in the game.
Over time, the phrase “has it in spades” extended beyond the game of bridge to describe someone who excels or possesses an abundant amount of a particular quality or attribute. It implies that the person or thing being described has an abundance or superiority in that particular aspect.
The phrase is often used to emphasize the presence or extent of a desirable quality or attribute, such as talent, intelligence, or charm. It suggests that the person or thing possesses the quality to a remarkable degree, surpassing others.
By using the phrase “has it in spades,” one is indicating that the person or thing being described has an abundant amount of the specific quality or attribute, as if they have an entire hand full of spades in the card game.
| Example: |
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| John is not only intelligent, but he also has creativity in spades. |
Usage in everyday language
The phrase “has it in spades” is a common idiom used in everyday language. It is often used to emphasize that someone possesses a particular quality or characteristic to a great extent. The phrase comes from the card game of spades, where spades is the highest-ranking suit. In this context, having something “in spades” means having it in abundance or in large quantities.
For example, if someone is described as having talent in spades, it means that they have an exceptional amount of talent. Similarly, if someone is said to have confidence in spades, it means that they have an extraordinary amount of confidence.
This phrase is often used to highlight a person’s strengths or positive attributes. It can also be used to describe something that is abundant or plentiful.
Here are a few examples of how the phrase “has it in spades” can be used in everyday language:
Example 1:
John has intelligence in spades. He always excels in his academics and is a quick learner.
Example 2:
Sarah has creativity in spades. She can come up with innovative ideas effortlessly.
Example 3:
The restaurant has charm in spades. The ambiance, service, and food are all exceptional.
In conclusion, the phrase “has it in spades” is a versatile idiom that can be used to describe someone’s exceptional qualities or to emphasize abundance. It adds a vivid and expressive element to everyday language.
Related idioms and phrases
When it comes to describing abundance or a surplus of something, there are a number of idioms and phrases related to “has it in spades.” Here are a few:
In abundance
The phrase “in abundance” is often used to describe something that is present or available in large quantities. It can be used to convey that someone or something has a surplus or an excess of a particular quality or attribute.
Example: Despite the challenges, we have resources in abundance to overcome them.
Rich in
The phrase “rich in” is used to describe something that contains a high amount or quality of a particular element, substance, or characteristic. It suggests that the person or thing possesses an ample or abundant supply of that specific aspect.
Example: The soil in this region is rich in nutrients, making it ideal for farming.
Filled to the brim
The expression “filled to the brim” describes something that is packed or overflowing with a substance or object, usually to the point of it being unable to contain any more. It implies that there is an abundant amount or an extreme level of whatever is being described.
Example: The restaurant was filled to the brim with excited diners on opening night.
Brimming with
The phrase “brimming with” is used to indicate that something or someone is overflowing or filled to capacity with a particular quality or attribute. It conveys the idea of an abundance or a surplus of that characteristic.
Example: Her speech was brimming with passion and conviction, inspiring everyone in the audience.
In conclusion, idioms and phrases related to “has it in spades” allow us to express the idea of abundance or excess in a more colorful and vivid way.
