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So "on the cards" in this case means "likely to happen". For instance, we can say: "Due to the El Nino phenomenon in this region, a widespread drought is on the cards next year."

More than two decades ago, many countries already knew that global warming was on the cards but nobody paid much attention to the issue.

Regular big-scale floods are on the cards; but the point is where they will happen and how we are going to deal with it.

 

It is obvious that most expressions connected with the word "card" are taken from situations occurring in card games, like when someone uses their "best/strongest/trump card". When something is your best/strongest trump card, it is your main advantage over other people.

Frank's analytical skills are his strongest trump card in this competition for scholarship.

 

 "To have the cards/odds stacked against someone" means the person is not likely to succeed because he/she is not in an advantageous position.

Thomas was discouraged because the cards stacked were against him.

 "Wild card" has three different meanings:

The first refers to someone or something whose behaviour we do not know for sure.

The silent majority will be the wild card in the December 23 general elections because no one knows who they will be voting for.

 

In competition, a wild card is a person who is allowed to take part, though he/she has not qualified for it in the usual way.

Jack, not being a native of this country, was a wild card in the big triathlon last month.

The last meaning is used in computing, to mean a symbol that will be replaced by any possible data that logically suit the position held by the wildcard. 

If you are not sure of what to put in, leave a wild card there so I can look at it later.

Complete the sentences with expressions explained:

1. It was a shame that he did not use … to win the contract in the competition.

2. Weather conditions will be a … for releasing the balloon tomorrow morning; just hope for the best.

3. "Dad, Mum, are we going to visit grandpa and grandma this Christmas?" - "Well, we haven't for a while so I think it's …, darling."

4. If you are wondering what are these asterisks for, they are … John said he'll let me know the dates for the show later.

5. Linda was well prepared but unfortunately, she … ; with the famous Judy Smoothy showing up, she never stood a chance.  

Answers: 1. his best trump card; 2. wild card; 3. on the cards; 4. wild cards; 5. had the cards/odds stacked against her.

By Parnsap Yomanage