When someone has something “in spades,” it means that they have a large amount or a great deal of it. This phrase originated from the game of bridge, where spades are the highest-ranking suit. So, if someone has something in spades, it means they have an abundance of it, just like the highest-ranking suit in bridge.
To have something “in spades” implies that the person possesses a quality or skill to an exceptional degree. It is often used to describe someone who has a lot of talent or expertise in a particular area. For example, if someone is a great guitarist, you could say that they have talent in spades.
The phrase “in spades” can also be used to describe someone who has a lot of a specific trait or characteristic. For instance, if someone is known for their generosity, you could say that they have kindness in spades. It emphasizes the abundance and strength of that particular trait.
The Meaning of “Has that in Spades”
“Has that in spades” is an idiomatic expression that is commonly used in English. This phrase is a way to emphasize that someone or something possesses a particular quality or attribute to a high degree. When someone or something “has that in spades,” it means they have an abundance of the desired quality or characteristic.
Origin of the Phrase
The exact origin of the phrase “has that in spades” is not widely known, but it is believed to come from the game of bridge. In this card game, spades are one of the four suits, and they are considered the highest-ranking suit. When a player has a strong hand of spades, it gives them a significant advantage in the game. This association with having a strong advantage likely led to the phrase being used more broadly to describe other situations where someone or something has an abundance of a desired quality.
Usage Examples
The phrase “has that in spades” can be used in various contexts to convey a strong emphasis on possessing a certain quality. Here are a few examples:
1. “She has talent in spades. I’m sure she’ll be successful in her acting career.”
2. “The new restaurant has ambiance in spades. It’s a beautiful space with a relaxing atmosphere.”
3. “He has determination in spades. Nothing can deter him from achieving his goals.”
4. “The singer has charisma in spades. Everyone is drawn to their performances.”
Overall, the phrase “has that in spades” is a powerful way to express that someone or something possesses a specific quality or attribute to a high degree. Its origin in the game of bridge adds an interesting connection, but it has since expanded to be used in various contexts to convey the same meaning.
Understanding the Phrase
The phrase “has that in spades” is a colloquial expression that means someone possesses a particular quality or characteristic to an exceptional degree. It is often used to emphasize someone’s skill, talent, or abundance of something.
When someone has something “in spades,” it means they have a lot of it or excel in that specific area. The phrase “in spades” is thought to come from the card game of bridge, in which spades are the highest-ranking suit.
For example, if someone says, “He is confident in spades,” it means that person is extremely confident. Similarly, if someone has “intelligence in spades,” it means they are highly intelligent.
The phrase can be used in various contexts, whether describing a person’s abilities, personality traits, or possessions. It adds emphasis and highlights the exceptional nature of the quality being described.
It’s important to note that this phrase is informal and primarily used in spoken English or casual writing. It may not be appropriate in formal or professional settings.
Overall, understanding the phrase “has that in spades” allows for clearer communication and the ability to describe someone’s exceptional qualities or attributes more vividly.
Origins and History
The phrase “has that in spades” originates from the game of bridge. In bridge, a spade is one of the four suits, and holding a high number of spades can give a player a significant advantage. When a player says that they “have something in spades,” it means they have an abundant or excellent amount of it.
This phrase has its roots in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and gained popularity in the early 20th century. It was commonly used by jazz musicians and later became more widely known and used in various contexts.
Increasingly, “has that in spades” has become a common expression to emphasize or describe someone or something that possesses a particular quality to a great extent. It suggests that the person or thing being described excels in that quality and has it in abundance. It is often used as a way to express extreme admiration, praise, or acknowledgement.
Over time, the phrase has become ingrained in English language and is now used in a variety of situations to convey a strong emphasis on the presence of a particular attribute or quality.
Other expressions with a similar meaning
- Has it in abundance
- Has it in large quantities
- Has it in excess
- Has it in profusion
These expressions all convey the same idea of someone or something having a plentiful supply of a certain quality or attribute.
Usage examples
- He is a talented musician and has that in spades.
- The team has determination in spades, which is why they never give up.
- Her creativity is incredible. She has it in spades.
These examples demonstrate how the phrase can be used to highlight an exceptional amount or level of a particular quality possessed by someone or something.
Usage in Popular Culture
The phrase “has that in spades” has become a popular expression in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. It is often used to emphasize someone’s possession of a particular quality or characteristic.
In literature, authors frequently use the phrase to describe a character who excels in a specific area or skill. For example, in the popular Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, the character Hermione Granger is often described as having intelligence in spades, meaning she is highly intelligent.
In film, the phrase can be found in both dialogue and titles. In the 1996 film “Jerry Maguire,” the titular character, played by Tom Cruise, famously declares to his love interest, “You complete me… and you have me at hello. You… you had me at hello.” This line has become iconic and is often referenced in popular culture.
Music is another medium where the phrase can be found. In the 1980s, the rock band Guns N’ Roses released a song titled “Welcome to the Jungle,” which includes the line, “We’ve got everything you want, honey, we know the names. We are the people that can find whatever you may need, if you’ve got the money, honey, we’ve got your disease.” The use of the phrase “we’ve got everything you want” implies that they possess everything in abundance.
Overall, the expression “has that in spades” has become a versatile and frequently used phrase in popular culture. It adds flair and emphasis to descriptions and declarations, making it a memorable and impactful part of various forms of media.
Alternative Expressions
In addition to the phrase “Has that in spades,” there are several alternative expressions that can be used to convey a similar meaning:
Has that down to a tee: This expression means that someone is extremely skilled or proficient in a particular area. It implies that they have mastered the task or skill to a high degree of accuracy.
Is a natural: This expression is used to describe someone who has a natural talent or ability in a specific area. It suggests that they are naturally gifted and do not need much practice or training to excel.
Is the epitome of: This expression is used to describe someone who embodies or represents a particular quality or characteristic to the highest degree. It suggests that they are the perfect example of that trait.
Is second to none: This expression means that someone or something is unrivaled or unsurpassed in a particular area. It suggests that they are the best or superior compared to others.
Is the real deal: This expression is used to describe someone or something that is genuine, authentic, or of high quality. It implies that they are the real thing and not an imitation or fake.
Is top-notch: This expression means that someone or something is of the highest quality or standard. It implies that they are excellent or outstanding in their field or area of expertise.
These alternative expressions can be used interchangeably with “Has that in spades” to convey a similar meaning of someone possessing a particular quality or skill to an exceptional degree.
