PhrasesHub

Turn up trumps

    Definitions

      • to succeed unexpectedly or to produce a positive result
        to describe a situation where someone or something unexpectedly achieves a positive outcome or result

      • to come to someone's aid or support when needed
        to describe a situation where someone or something provides exactly what is needed in a critical or difficult situation

    Examples of Turn up trumps

    • Emily's sales presentation totally turned up trumps, impressing the CEO and securing a major deal for the company.

      The idiom "turn up trumps" is used to describe when someone or something excels or achieves success in a situation. In this example, Emily's presentation surpassed expectations and led to a successful outcome. The phrase "turned up trumps" suggests that Emily played her cards well and came out ahead.

    • Despite the team's poor performance in the first half, they turned up trumps in the second half and emerged as the winners.

      In this example, the team was facing a deficit at halftime, but they rallied in the second half and achieved victory. "Turned up trumps" emphasizes how the team successfully reversed their fortunes and emerged as the winners.

    • The surprise success of the indie movie turned up trumps for the director, who had struggled to get her films noticed in the past.

      This example illustrates how someone's success can come unexpectedly. Despite the director's previous struggles, her latest movie exceeded expectations and brought her much-deserved recognition. The phrase "turned up trumps" highlights just how successful the movie was.

    • The politician's strong debate performance turned up trumps and helped her secure a crucial swing state.

      In this example, the politician delivered a powerful debate performance that put her ahead in a crucial swing state. "Turned up trumps" emphasizes just how significant and successful this performance was. It highlights how the politician's success in this situation was critical to her overall campaign.

    • The team's star player scored a game-winning goal in the final minutes, turning up trumps and securing the championship for them.

      When one's team is losing or in a difficult position, turning up trumps refers to making a surprising and decisive move that leads to success. In this example, the star player's goal turned the tide of the game and helped their team win the championship.

    • After months of bargaining, the company's CEO was able to close a major deal with a rival firm, turning up trumps and solidifying their position in the industry.

      In business, turning up trumps can refer to making a strategic move that gives one an advantage over competitors. In this example, the CEO's successful deal put their company in a strong position in the industry.

    • As the detective pieced together the clues, he discovered the true identity of the culprit, turning up trumps and revealing a shocking twist in the case.

      In a mystery or crime drama, turning up trumps can refer to a surprising revelation that solves the case or exposes the true nature of a character. In this example, the detective's discovery of the culprit's identity was a major breakthrough in the case.

    • Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, the candidate's impressive speech at the debates turned up trumps and swayed the majority of voters in their favor.

      In politics, turning up trumps can refer to making a powerful and effective argument that captures the attention and support of voters. In this example, the candidate's speech was a turning point in the campaign and helped them gain the public's favor.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "turn up trumps" can be used to describe both unexpected success and timely assistance. It can be used to convey a sense of surprise and satisfaction when a positive outcome is achieved, or when someone or something comes through at a crucial moment.

    Origin of "Turn up trumps"

    The origin of the idiom "turn up trumps" can be traced back to the game of cards, specifically to the game of whist, which was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. In this game, the trump card is a card that outranks all others, regardless of the suit. When a player "turns up trumps," it means that they have revealed a trump card, giving them a significant advantage in the game. Over time, the expression evolved to be used figuratively to describe any situation where something unexpectedly turns out to be highly advantageous or beneficial.

    The idiom "turn up trumps" has become a common phrase in English language to describe unexpected success or timely assistance, and its origin in the world of card games adds a colorful and vivid imagery to its meaning. Examples of its usage can be found in literature, media, and everyday conversation.