When someone says that someone or something “has in spades“, they mean that the person or thing possesses a particular quality, skill, or attribute to an impressive or exceptional degree. This idiom is often used to express that someone or something has an abundance or an excess of a certain characteristic.
The phrase “has in spades” originated from the card game of bridge, where spades are the highest-ranking suit. In the game, if a player has a lot of spades in their hand, it indicates that they have a strong hand and a higher chance of winning the game. Over time, this card game terminology evolved into a popular idiom used to describe someone or something that excels or exceeds expectations.
When you say that someone “has something in spades“, you are emphasizing that they possess that quality or attribute to a remarkable extent. For example, if someone is described as having intelligence in spades, it means that they are highly intelligent or exceptionally smart. Similarly, if a product is said to have quality in spades, it means that the product is of excellent quality and exceeds expectations.
Overall, the phrase “has in spades” is a powerful and evocative way to emphasize someone’s exceptional qualities or the abundance of a certain attribute. It conveys a sense of superiority and excellence, making it a popular expression in both casual and formal English.
What Does “Has in Spades” Mean?
“Has in spades” is a common idiomatic expression that means someone or something possesses a particular quality or characteristic to a high degree. The phrase originated from the game of bridge, where spades are the highest-ranked suit. To have something “in spades” is to have it in abundance or in an impressive amount.
The term “in spades” is often used to describe someone who has a specific skill or talent in an exceptional way. For example, if someone is said to have intelligence in spades, it means they are extremely intelligent. Similarly, if someone has creativity in spades, they are incredibly creative and innovative.
The phrase can also be used to describe an abundance of something. For instance, if a restaurant has delicious food in spades, it means the food is exceptionally delicious and of high quality. Likewise, if a city has history in spades, it means there is an abundance of historical sites and landmarks.
| Examples: |
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| 1. Michelle has determination in spades. She never gives up on her goals. |
| 2. The singer has talent in spades. Her voice is incredible. |
| 3. This book has suspense in spades. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. |
Overall, the expression “has in spades” is a vivid and emphatic way to convey the idea of having something in abundance or to a high degree. It adds emphasis and creates a strong impression of the quality or characteristic being described.
Definition and Origin
The phrase “has in spades” is an idiom that means to possess a large amount or an abundance of a certain quality or characteristic. It is often used to describe someone who has a particular attribute or skill to an impressive degree. When someone “has something in spades,” it means that they have it in a significant or outstanding manner.
The origin of this idiom is believed to come from the game of bridge, specifically the card suit spades. In bridge, the spades suit is considered the highest ranking suit, and having a hand with a lot of spades can give a player a strong advantage. The use of “in spades” to signify abundance or excellence may have been derived from this association with the spades suit in bridge.
| Example: | She has talent in spades. Her singing ability is outstanding. |
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This idiom is commonly used in informal contexts, such as conversations, writing, and media. It adds emphasis to the extent or intensity of a particular quality or characteristic someone possesses.
Synonyms and Similar Expressions
When we say someone has something “in spades,” we mean they possess a particular quality or characteristic to a large extent. There are several synonyms and similar expressions that have a similar meaning:
1. Have something in abundance
This expression is used to describe someone who has a lot of a particular quality or characteristic. For example, if someone is known for their generosity, you could say they have generosity in abundance.
2. Have something in plenty
This phrase is similar to “in spades” and means the same thing. If someone has something in plenty, it means they possess it to a great extent. For example, if someone is known for their creativity, you could say they have creativity in plenty.
Remember, these expressions can be used interchangeably with “in spades” to convey the idea that someone has a particular quality or characteristic in a significant amount.
Usage in Everyday Language
In everyday language, the phrase “has in spades” is commonly used to emphasize that someone possesses a particular quality or skill to a high degree. It is often used in a positive context to highlight someone’s exceptional abilities or achievements in a specific area.
This phrase can be used in various situations to convey the idea of abundance or excellence. For example, if someone is described as having “talent in spades,” it means they have an abundance of talent or possess exceptional skills in a particular field.
Furthermore, the phrase “has in spades” can also be used to talk about a person’s personality traits. For instance, if someone is said to have “charisma in spades,” it means they possess an incredible amount of charm and magnetism.
Additionally, this phrase is often used when talking about someone’s positive qualities or achievements. For example, if someone is described as having “determination in spades,” it means they have an extraordinary amount of determination and perseverance.
In conclusion, the phrase “has in spades” is widely used in everyday language to emphasize someone’s exceptional qualities, skills, or achievements. It adds emphasis to the idea that someone possesses a particular quality to a high degree, making it a powerful and expressive phrase in English vocabulary.
Examples in Literature and Media
Throughout literature and media, the expression “has in spades” is frequently used to emphasize someone’s possession of a certain quality or skill to an exceptional degree. Here are a few examples:
Literature
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby,” the protagonist Jay Gatsby is described as having wealth “in spades.” This highlights his immense fortune and extravagant lifestyle.
Another example can be found in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Atticus Finch is portrayed as having courage “in spades,” as he fearlessly defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape, despite the racial prejudices of the time.
Media
In the movie “The Devil Wears Prada,” Meryl Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly, is shown to possess power “in spades.” As the demanding and influential editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine, she exerts control and authority in every aspect of her professional life.
Similarly, in the television series “Breaking Bad,” Bryan Cranston’s character, Walter White, exhibits intelligence “in spades.” As a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer and criminal mastermind, Walter’s remarkable intellect allows him to outsmart his adversaries and navigate through dangerous situations.
Overall, these examples in literature and media illustrate how the phrase “has in spades” is used to emphasize the exceptional possession of a certain quality or skill, ultimately distinguishing the characters and their respective storylines.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Have all the cards: To have all the necessary resources or advantages
- Have a trick up one’s sleeve: To have a secret plan or strategy
- Have the upper hand: To have an advantage or control in a situation
- In the cards: Likely to happen or be achieved
- Hold all the aces: To have complete control or power over a situation
- Play your cards right: To make the best use of opportunities and advantages
- Stack the deck: To unfairly arrange things or events to gain an advantage
- Trump card: A powerful or decisive factor that can overcome others
