Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

overplay-your-hand

idiom

/ˌoʊ.vərˈpleɪ.joʊr.hænd/

Definition

To overestimate one’s chances of success or to act in a way that is overly confident or aggressive in a situation, especially in a negotiation or competitive context.

Examples

In negotiations, if you overplay your hand, you might lose the deal altogether.
She tended to overplay her hand during discussions at work, which often upset her colleagues.
By demanding too much too soon, he overplayed his hand and lost the opportunity.

Meaning

The phrase ‘overplay your hand’ comes from card games, where players who bet too much or act too confidently risk losing everything. In everyday language, it refers to situations where someone misjudges their advantages and acts too ambitiously, often leading to negative consequences.