A favourable hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A favourable hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as card games, gambling, or metaphorically to describe a situation where one has advantageous circumstances or support. Example: "In poker, having a favourable hand can significantly increase your chances of winning the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, he was also dealt a favourable hand, by the unwitting Angus Deayton.

Independent

Shuffling, as casino card dealers and others know, is a job that necessitates a degree of secrecy, and lady luck was again not dealing Jeremy Corbyn a favourable hand.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Without a favourable deal, Azoff and his lawyers want those tracks removed from YouTube.

Vice

Moreover, the soldiers may also tend to report the expected favourable hand washing behaviour.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Our findings suggest a delicate balance between, on one hand, a favourable role of chemotherapy-induced G2 cell cycle arrest on viral replication and, on the other hand, a so far unresolved adverse effect of chemotherapy on CRAd replication in the absence of G2 cell cycle arrest.

British Journal of Cancer

"A lot will depend on whether we reach the finals in France next year - if we do, then we go into the World Cup qualifiers with a great deal of momentum". The Republic were handed a favourable draw with Austria, Georgia and Moldova providing the remainder of their Group D opposition.

BBC

Bolivia have qualified as the real underdogs from the group stages but have been handed a favourable draw against Peru, who will also be delighted with the outcome of finishing second in Group C. No side had fewer shots (18), less possession (34.7%) or a lower pass accuracy (66.5%) than Bolivia in the group stages.

The Guardian - Sport

Hosts Gabon were handed a favourable draw for January's Africa Cup of Nations, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's side to face Cameroon, Burkina Faso and the debutants Guinea-Bissau in Group A while the heavyweights Algeria and Senegal will face off in Group B.

The Guardian - Sport

The colt, whose sire Montjeu took the prize 13 years ago, has been handed a favourable low draw (in contrast, his rival at the top of the market, the Japanese champion Orfevre, will start on the wide outside) and his rider is without peer round the tricky course, with its deceptive bends into the home straight.

Independent

Manchester United's conquerors MK Dons were handed a favourable draw in the third round of the Capital One Cup with a home tie against League One Bradford.

BBC

The Gunners looked to have been handed a favourable draw but a display that plumbed the depths of incompetence and naivety leaves them facing a last-16 exit once more.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of context; while often positive, ensure the advantage isn't gained unfairly or at another's expense.

Common error

Avoid using "a favourable hand" in situations where the advantage is due to hard work or skill, rather than chance or external factors. Use it when an element of luck or unexpected benefit is involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a favourable hand" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb. It describes having an advantageous position or circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, often appearing in contexts related to games of chance or metaphorical life situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a favourable hand" is a noun phrase denoting an advantageous position or set of circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable, though not overly common, with usage spanning across News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. It conveys the idea of being dealt a beneficial situation, either literally (as in a game of cards) or metaphorically in life. Alternatives include "advantageous situation" or "beneficial opportunity". When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure its metaphorical application aligns with the situation, avoiding misuse in scenarios where success is primarily due to effort rather than chance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Favourable position

Emphasizes a strategically advantageous placement.

Advantageous situation

Emphasizes the benefit derived from the circumstances.

Beneficial opportunity

Highlights the positive potential and possibilities.

Fortunate circumstance

Focuses on luck and good fortune.

Good fortune

More general term for a positive outcome or luck.

Propitious moment

Implies that the timing is particularly auspicious.

Golden opportunity

Stresses the rarity and value of the chance.

A lucky break

Suggests an unexpected stroke of good fortune.

A stroke of luck

Highlights chance and serendipity.

A leg up

Suggests an advantage that helps someone progress.

FAQs

How can "a favourable hand" be used metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "a favourable hand" describes a situation where someone has been given an advantage or has fortuitous circumstances. For example, someone might say "He was dealt "a favourable hand" in life because of his family connections."

What is a situation where "a favourable hand" might not be a good thing?

While generally positive, receiving "a favourable hand" can be problematic if it creates resentment or unfairness, or if it leads to complacency. It can also imply that someone's success is due to luck rather than merit.

Which is more formal, ""a favourable hand"" or "an advantageous situation"?

"An advantageous situation" is generally more formal than "a favourable hand", which can sometimes carry a connotation of luck or chance. The best choice depends on the specific context and audience.

How does "a favourable hand" relate to the idea of privilege?

"A favourable hand" is often used to describe situations of privilege, where someone starts with advantages that others do not have. This can include wealth, connections, or other forms of social capital.