best possible hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best possible hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as card games, poker, or discussions about optimal outcomes in various situations. Example: "In poker, the best possible hand you can have is a royal flush."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The best possible hand is five aces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Patching together deals with minor parties and hauling in sick MPs for knife-edge votes, it shows a whips' office playing its best possible hand in the hope something will turn up to prevent the election of Margaret Thatcher.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 49.7% of the cases the player who could have made the best possible hand folded before the showdown: another outcome determined not by chance but by player decisions.

The Economist

The first anchor point was what was thought to be the best possible hand (with zero degrees of contracture in all joints, i.e. a normal hand).

Acta Orthopaedica

If you have non-consecutive cards, such as the ace, king, jack, and ten, while you have the same 1 in 47 chance of drawing the queen of the same suit that you would of drawing an ace of the suit when you have the king through the ten, if you don't get the queen, your best possible hand would again be an ace-high straight with a queen of a different suit.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The football club is in the best possible hands".

The Guardian - Sport

Your child is in the best possible hands".

The Guardian

I know our journalism – and our "perpetuity" – will be in the best possible hands.

The Guardian

We are in the best possible hands to go about tackling the next nine months in the correct way.

The Guardian - Sport

But what commissioner wouldn't want each franchise in the best possible hands?" Selig says he knows that people say he calls in chits when he needs to but responded: "That's just nonsense.

The New York Times - Sports

She wants to leave the business in the best possible hands, and she hopes to keep it in the family (neither she nor her brother, Charles, a part-owner, currently have children).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scenario where multiple factors contribute to a positive outcome, use "best possible hand" to emphasize that all elements aligned favorably to produce that result.

Common error

Avoid using "best possible hand" to describe simply a 'good' outcome. The phrase implies that the outcome is not just good, but the ABSOLUTE BEST achievable under the circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best possible hand" functions as a noun phrase, where 'best possible' modifies the noun 'hand'. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its usage in describing optimal scenarios or outcomes, particularly in games and strategic situations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "best possible hand" refers to the most favorable or optimal outcome achievable in a given situation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis. While grammatically sound, it's relatively rare in usage, spanning contexts from games like poker to strategic scenarios across news, encyclopedias, science, and wiki sources. When you use it, remember its register is neutral and suitable for most contexts. Consider alternatives like "optimal hand" or "ideal hand" to add nuance. It's most effectively employed when emphasizing that elements have aligned to produce the ABSOLUTE best result attainable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

optimal hand

Replaces "best possible" with a synonym that also implies the most favorable or desirable outcome.

ideal hand

Substitutes "best possible" with "ideal", suggesting a perfect or model outcome.

most advantageous hand

Replaces "best possible" with a phrase that emphasizes the beneficial aspects of the hand.

strongest possible hand

Focuses on the strength or power of the hand rather than just its possibility.

winning hand

Highlights the hand's ability to win or succeed, changing the focus from potential to outcome.

unbeatable hand

Suggests a hand that cannot be defeated, implying ultimate superiority.

top hand

A simpler way to refer to the best or highest-ranking hand.

premier hand

Uses "premier" to indicate the highest quality or rank of the hand.

finest hand available

Emphasizes the superior quality and availability of the hand.

ultimate hand

Denotes the hand as being the final or most extreme example of a desirable outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "best possible hand" in a sentence?

You can use "best possible hand" to describe an optimal scenario. For example, "Given the circumstances, securing that deal was the "best possible hand" we could have hoped for".

What is an alternative to saying "best possible hand"?

Alternatives include phrases like "optimal hand", "ideal hand", or "most advantageous hand", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the best hand possible" instead of "best possible hand"?

While "the best hand possible" isn't grammatically incorrect, ""best possible hand"" is more common and idiomatic. The latter emphasizes the potential for an optimal outcome.

In what contexts is "best possible hand" typically used?

"Best possible hand" is often used in contexts involving games of chance like poker, strategic negotiations, or situations where one seeks the most favorable result achievable from a set of circumstances.