full hand

full hand

A player reveals a full hand to win the poker game.

Definition
  1. Noun (card games):
    • A "full hand" is a poker hand consisting of three of a kind and a pair, also known as a "full house." It ranks above a flush and below four of a kind.
Usage Examples
  • (A poker hand with three of a kind and a pair.)
  • (A reference to the specific poker hand.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to have a full hand": to hold a full house in poker.

    • After the river card, she had a full hand and bet heavily. (She held a full house.)
  • "full hand" in informal contexts: sometimes used metaphorically to mean having a complete set or full control in a situation (though less common).

    • With all the resources at his disposal, he had a full hand in the negotiations. (He had a complete advantage or full control.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Full house (noun): the standard term for a full hand in poker.

    • A full house beats a flush but loses to four of a kind. (Synonymous with "full hand.")
  • Hand (noun): the set of cards held by a player in a card game.

    • She had a strong hand, but not a full hand. (She had a good set of cards, but not a full house.)
Synonyms
  • Full house: the more common term for the same poker hand.
  • Boat: a slang term for a full house in poker.
    • He called his full hand a "boat" and showed his cards. (Slang synonym.)
Related Idioms
  • Full hand, empty heart: a rare expression meaning having material wealth but lacking emotional fulfillment (not directly related to poker).

    • He had a full hand of money but an empty heart. (He was rich but unhappy.)
  • Play a full hand: to use all available resources or options.

    • In the final round, she played a full hand and won the game. (She used all her best cards or strategies.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • Fill a hand: to complete a poker hand to make a full house.

    • He needed a queen to fill his hand and get a full house. (To complete the hand to achieve a full house.)
  • Hold a full hand: to possess a full house in a poker game.

    • She held a full hand and raised the bet. (She had a full house.)