The phrase "see in the cards" refers to the practice of divination where a reader interprets the symbolism on a deck of cards to gain insight into the future. The spelling of "see" is /si/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the "s" representing the voiceless alveolar fricative sound and the "i" representing the vowel sound as in "sit." Meanwhile, "cards" is spelled /kɑrdz/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the "k" representing the voiceless velar stop and the "ɑ" representing the vowel sound as in "father."
To see in the cards is an idiomatic expression that derives from the ancient practice of divination through the use of playing cards, Tarot cards, or other similar mediums. Generally, it means to anticipate or predict a future event or outcome. It refers to gaining a sense or insight into the future, much like a fortune-teller would do by interpreting patterns, symbols, or other indicators found in the cards.
When someone says that something is "in the cards," they often imply that there are indications or signs pointing towards a specific result or conclusion. It suggests a belief or intuition that the outcome is somehow predestined or unavoidable. While it does not guarantee certainty, it represents a strong likelihood or probability of occurrence based on the perceived signs and omens.
The phrase can also connote a sense of premonition or subconscious anticipation about an upcoming event or situation. It hints at a heightened perceptiveness or intuition that allows one to perceive and interpret hidden messages or clues in their surroundings.
However, it is important to note that "seeing in the cards" is a figurative expression and does not have a literal basis. It is often used metaphorically to describe a gut feeling, an educated guess, or an intuitive sense of what may occur in the future based on present circumstances and observations.