not in the cards

ADJECTIVE

unexpected

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abrupt accidental amazing astonishing fortuitous startling stunning sudden swift unanticipated unforeseen unpredictable wonderful

WEAK

chance electrifying eye-opening from left field impetuous impulsive instantaneous not bargained for out of the blue payback prodigious staggering unheralded unlooked-for unpredicted

Antonyms

STRONGEST

deliberate designed expected intentional planned predictable slow

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The White House said emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would engage in an "in-person conversation" with Iranian representatives, but Iranian state media said that direct negotiations were not in the cards.

From Barron's • Apr. 25, 2026

We will continue to watch January VIX futures versus February VIX futures for signs of inversion; that is not in the cards right now, as February continues to trade higher than January.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 2, 2026

For Ketchum, going to college — let alone working in politics — was not in the cards.

From Seattle Times • May 10, 2024

Yet I think over the years there is this voice that tells you, “Maybe that’s not in the cards for you.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 21, 2023

A summer without a sport was not in the cards for me.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

not in the cards

Example Sentences

Related Words