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Not playing with a full deck

Not playing with a full deck

Meaning

Someone who lacks intelligence.

Examples

I asked him to meet me in Derby and he went to Denby. Sometimes I don’t think he’s playing with a full deck.

Where did it originate?

Britain, 20th century.

Where is it used?

Worldwide, but more common in Britain than elsewhere.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Not playing with a full deck

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