Have someone in spades is an idiomatic expression which means to have someone or something in great abundance, in excess, or to a high degree. This phrase is often used to emphasize that someone possesses a specific quality or characteristic to an exceptional extent.
When a person has someone in spades, it means they have an extraordinary level of that person’s attention, admiration, or love. It indicates that the individual is highly regarded or cherished by that person. It can also be used to describe an individual who is extremely skilled or talented in a particular area, surpassing others by a wide margin.
This expression originates from the game of spades, a trick-taking card game popular in the United States. In the game, spades are the highest-ranking suit, trumping all other suits. Thus, to have someone “in spades” is to possess them with an unmatched intensity or abundance.
Meaning and Origin
The phrase “have someone in spades” is an idiomatic expression in English that means to have a great advantage or superiority over someone or something.
The origin of this phrase can be traced back to card games, particularly the game of bridge. In the game of bridge, spades is the highest ranking suit, and therefore, having a lot of spades in your hand would give you a significant advantage over the other players. This concept of having a superior hand in cards was later extended to other areas of life, and the phrase “have someone in spades” came to represent having a clear advantage or dominance over someone or something.
The expression can be used in various contexts, such as sports, business, or personal situations. For example, if a team wins a match with a score of 6-0, we can say that they had the victory in spades. Similarly, if a company has a large market share compared to its competitors, we could say that they have the market dominance in spades.
Overall, the phrase “have someone in spades” is a colorful and expressive way to describe a situation where one has a strong advantage or superiority over others. Its origin in card games adds an interesting layer to its meaning, making it a versatile and widely used expression in the English language.
Usage in Everyday Conversations
The phrase “have someone in spades” is commonly used in everyday conversations to express a strong advantage or superiority over someone or something. It is often used when one person or thing clearly outperforms or surpasses another.
Examples:
1. In a game of tennis, John is a skilled player and always beats his opponent in spades.
2. Sarah’s presentation skills are exceptional. She has her audience captivated in spades.
3. The new restaurant in town has delicious food and impeccable service. They have their competition beat in spades.
4. The company’s latest product has revolutionized the market. It has innovation and quality in spades.
When using this phrase, it is important to note that it is a colloquial expression and may not be appropriate in formal or professional settings. However, it is commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family, and colleagues.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “Have someone in spades” | To have a strong advantage or superiority over someone or something |
