(~s)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
A ~ is a piece of stiff paper or thin ~board on which something is written or printed.
Check the numbers below against the numbers on your ~.
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2.
A ~ is a piece of ~board or plastic, or a small document, which shows information about you and which you carry with you, for example to prove your identity.
...they check my bag and press ~.
...her membership ~...
The authorities have begun to issue ration ~s.
N-COUNT: with supp, usu n N
3.
A ~ is a rectangular piece of plastic, issued by a bank, company, or shop, which you can use to buy things or obtain money.
He paid the whole bill with an American Express ~...
Holidaymakers should beware of using plastic ~s in foreign cash dispensers.
N-COUNT: oft n-proper N
4.
A ~ is a folded piece of stiff paper with a picture and sometimes a message printed on it, which you send to someone on a special occasion.
She sends me a ~ on my birthday.
...millions of get-well ~s.
N-COUNT: oft supp N
5.
A ~ is the same as a post~ .
Send your details on a ~ to the following address.
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6.
A ~ is a piece of thin ~board carried by someone such as a business person in order to give to other people. A ~ shows the name, address, telephone number, and other details of the person who carries it. (BUSINESS)
Here’s my ~. You may need me.
= business ~
N-COUNT: oft poss N
7.
Cards are thin pieces of ~board with numbers or pictures printed on them which are used to play various games.
...a pack of ~s...
= playing ~
N-COUNT: usu pl
8.
If you are playing ~s, you are playing a game using ~s.
They enjoy themselves drinking wine, smoking and playing ~s.
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9.
You can use ~ to refer to something that gives you an advantage in a particular situation. If you play a particular ~, you use that advantage.
It was his strongest ~ in their relationship–that she wanted him more than he wanted her...
This permitted Western manufacturers to play their strong ~s: capital and technology.
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10.
Card is strong, stiff paper or thin ~board.
She put the pieces of ~ in her pocket.
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11.
see also bank ~ , business ~ , calling ~ , cash ~ , cheque ~ , Christmas ~ , credit ~ , gold ~ , identity ~ , index ~ , payment ~ , place ~ , playing ~ , report ~ , smart ~ , wild ~
12.
If you say that something is on the ~s in British English, or in the ~s in American English, you mean that it is very likely to happen.
Last summer she began telling friends that a New Year marriage was on the ~s.
= likely
? unlikely
PHRASE: usu v-link PHR
13.
If you say that someone will achieve success if they play their ~s right, you mean that they will achieve success if they act skilfully and use the advantages that they have.
He could even be the next manager of the England team if he plays his ~s right.
PHRASE: V inflects
14.
If you put or lay your ~s on the table, you deal with a situation by speaking openly about your feelings, ideas, or plans.
Put your ~s on the table and be very clear about your complaints.
PHRASE: V inflects