house of cards

noun

1. a structure or plan that is insubstantial and subject to imminent collapse, as a structure made by balancing playing cards against each other:

   The scheme is so overly complicated that it's likely to prove to be just another house of cards.

house of cards

noun

1. a tiered structure created by balancing playing cards on their edges
2. an unstable situation, plan, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of house of cards¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Idioms and Phrases

A weak and fragile structure, plan, or organization, as in Her scheme to reorganize the school sounds like another house of cards , or Jerry built his entire business on what turned out to be a house of cards . This metaphoric expression alludes to the structure made by balancing playing cards against one another. [First half of 1600s]

Example Sentences

"Jamal's out here writing the next season of 'House of Cards,'" says Jennings.

From Salon

Emily Peck speaks with Peter Goodman about the house of cards that ruined the global supply chain.

From Slate

Dealing with this financial house of cards means navigating a world where traditional financial advice doesn’t apply.

From Salon

If that doesn’t happen, our healthcare system will prove to be just one disastrous layer in a genuine American house of cards.

From Salon

Unless our public officials begin to place our human rights and the rule of law first, count on one thing: somewhere along the line that house of cards, medical or otherwise, is headed for collapse.

From Salon

Related Words

• chiffon
• decrepit
• feeble
• insubstantial
• rickety
• shaky
• tacky