house of cards
Meaning
A fragile plan, system, or situation that can collapse easily if disturbed.
Origin
From the literal structure made by stacking playing cards; it looks impressive but is unstable and collapses with the slightest touch or breeze. The figurative sense has been used in English for centuries.
Notes
Implies something looks solid but rests on weak foundations; often critical. Common for business, politics, arguments, or schemes.
Examples
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The company’s rapid growth turned out to be a house of cards built on risky loans.
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Without trust, their coalition was a house of cards that collapsed at the first disagreement.
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His alibi was a house of cards, and one simple question made it fall apart.
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The whole plan is a house of cards if we don’t secure funding by Friday.
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She realized her perfect online persona was a house of cards and decided to be more honest.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a noun phrase: “a house of cards” (indefinite article common) or “a (political/financial) house of cards.” Can appear after “like” or with verbs such as “collapse/fall down.”
Synonyms
- fragile structure
- shaky foundation
- house built on sand
Antonyms
- solid foundation
- stable system
- rock-solid plan