2832: In Spades Sep 21, 2024

The phrase "in spades" is often mistakenly thought to refer to shovels or digging tools, evoking an image of something being piled up in abundance. However, its origin is tied to the card game bridge. In bridge, spades are the highest-ranking suit, trumping all others. When someone has something "in spades," it means they have it in great quantity or with great force, much like having a dominant hand of spades in the game. The metaphor conveys a sense of overwhelming abundance or intensity, far beyond what the image of a shovel would suggest.