off the cards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "off the cards" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that means something is no longer possible or likely to happen. Example: "I had plans to go on vacation next month, but with the recent budget cuts, it looks like that trip is off the cards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"It took them over a month and a half to cut off the cards.

The New York Times

"Even though I had a job I couldn't meet my expenses and pay off the cards.

The New York Times

Just as our observer passed, the picketer decided to call it a night, took off the cards, rolled them up and tied them with a string.

The New Yorker

Koji Uehara, another Red Sox savior jogged to the mound to finish off the Cards and finished off Boston's seasons strong, with the three outs that brought the World Series trophy back to Fenway.

The Guardian - Sport

Another Giants reliever, the left-handed Jeremy Affeldt, was required to finish off the Cards here, and bring on the resonant and astounding finale: a single by Sandoval, a walk to Brandon Belt, and, on a 2 0 pitch by Michael Wacha, the winning home run into the right-field stands by the Giants' Travis Ishikawa.

The New Yorker

"My inclination is to just raid my 401(k) account to pay off the cards," I told Bob. "I know we'd be paying huge taxes and penalties for withdrawing money before retirement, but it's not as bad as paying all that interest to the banks".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"It's not the preferred option, but unfortunately [a Russian invasion] is certainly not yet off-the-cards either," he adds.

Vice

If you don't pay the card off, the card company also charges you.

The Guardian - Money

He handed off The Card Collector's Bulletin, a newsletter he published, to Charles R. Bray in 1949.

The New York Times - Sports

However, getting a cashback card for spending is a "no brainer", says Lewis, for anyone who can pay off the card in full each month.

The Guardian - Money

And even if you pay off the card, your credit rating won't necessarily rise.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off the cards" when you want to clearly communicate that a plan, idea, or event is no longer a viable option or possibility. This idiom is widely understood and adds a touch of informal flair to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "off the cards" in highly formal or technical documents. While widely understood, it might be perceived as too informal. Opt for alternatives like "not under consideration" or "ruled out" in professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off the cards" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression, modifying a noun or situation to indicate that it is no longer a possibility or is very unlikely. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "off the cards" is a widely recognized idiom used to express that something is no longer a possibility or is very improbable. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral contexts and should be used cautiously in highly formal settings. Consider alternatives like "ruled out" or "not under consideration" for professional communications. With its frequent appearance in news and media, it's a useful phrase to understand and employ when discussing eliminated options or unlikely scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of the question

Emphasizes impossibility more strongly.

not a possibility

Directly states the lack of possibility.

ruled out

Focuses on the act of excluding something.

not in the cards

Similar idiomatic expression with slight variation.

unlikely to happen

Indicates a low probability of occurrence.

beyond consideration

Suggests something is not worth considering.

taken off the table

Emphasizes the removal of an option.

not under consideration

Formally states that something is not being considered.

no longer an option

Directly indicates the removal of an option.

inconceivable

Highlights the implausibility of an event.

FAQs

How can I use "off the cards" in a sentence?

You can use "off the cards" to indicate that something is no longer a possibility. For example, "Due to budget constraints, a company retreat this year is "off the cards"".

What does "off the cards" mean?

"Off the cards" is an idiomatic expression that means something is no longer a possibility or is unlikely to happen. It's often used to describe plans or options that have been ruled out.

What can I say instead of "off the cards"?

You can use alternatives like "out of the question", "ruled out", or "not a possibility" depending on the context.

Is "off the table" the same as "off the cards"?

While similar, "taken off the table" usually refers to a specific proposal or option being withdrawn from immediate consideration. "Off the cards" has a broader sense of impossibility or unlikelihood.