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overplay one's hand

Verb CEFR C1

Definitions

  1. To bet too much or play too aggressively based on one's excessive optimism in the quality of their cards.
  2. To act too boldly due to overestimating one's advantage.

Examples

Behind the scenes, Mr. Biden’s aides are searching Mr. Putin’s comments for evidence that he is sensing that he may have overplayed his handthat his massing of troops has managed to unify the normally fractious 30 nations that make up the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.”
Eventually the NUR overplayed its hands with an all-out strike. And when Peter Parker, the then-chairman of BR, who was well regarded among his staff, called their bluff by threatening to close down the entire network, they caved in.”

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
See all C1 English words →

See also

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