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

“The indictment and the allegations represent, if true, a disturbing and disappointing house of cards that deceived and victimized many across the country,” Carvalho said.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Their scheme involved secret trading in stock derivatives that made their private investment fund “a house of cards, built on manipulation and lies,” Assistant U.S.

From Seattle Times

Leadenhall's 82-page filing, which was submitted on Friday as part of its civil claim, says it is seeking to recover "millions of dollars in damages from a house of cards on the brink of collapse".

From BBC

Related Words

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