card shark
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person who is skilled at playing card games, particularly one who uses deception or cheating to win money from others. The term often implies dishonesty and expertise in manipulating cards or the game situation.
Usage
The term "card shark" is used to describe a person, typically in a gambling context. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting the person is not just skilled but also unscrupulous. It is a compound noun.
Examples: * Be careful playing poker with him; he's known to be a card shark. * The casino hired security to watch for card sharks who might try to cheat the other patrons. * She wasn't just lucky; she was a card shark who had mastered several deceptive techniques.
Advanced Usage
- The term is sometimes used more loosely to describe any highly skilled card player, even an honest one, though the implication of trickery or exploitation usually remains.
- In a friendly sense among experts: "You're such a card shark; I can never win against you!"
Variants and Related Words
- Card sharp: This is a common variant with the same meaning. "Card shark" is more frequent in American English, while "card sharp" is often associated with British English.
- Sharper: A more general term for a swindler or cheat, often used in a gambling context.
- Hustler: A person who seeks money through aggressive or deceptive means, which can include gambling scams.
Synonyms
- Cheat
- Swindler
- Hustler (in this context)
- Cardsharp
Antonyms
- Honest player
- Amateur
- Dupe (a victim of a card shark)
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To shark: As a verb, this is rarely used, but it can mean to act like a shark, i.e., to swindle or cheat.
- He was accused of sharking unsuspecting tourists in backroom games.
- Pool shark: A related term for a person who cheats or hustles at pool (billiards).
Noun
- a professional card player who makes a living by cheating at card games