show one's cards

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show one's cards (third-person singular simple present shows one's cards, present participle showing one's cards, simple past showed one's cards, past participle shown one's cards or (US also) showed one's cards)

1. (idiomatic) To reveal something known to oneself but previously concealed from others, especially regarding one's own plans or resources.

   Synonym: show one's hand

• let the cat out of the bag
• put one's cards on the table
• tip one's hand
• unmask one's batteries