Not playing with a full deck
2019.08.24
Meaning:
In Japan playing cards are called トランプ A complete set of 52 playing cards is called a ‘deck’. If you were *really* not playing with a full deck, you would be playing with 45 or 50 cards. Your card-games would not work properly; it would be stupid to play card games without a full deck. So the expression ‘he/she is not playing with a full deck’ means he/she is crazy, stupid or has a mental problem. Their brain is not complete. Be careful – this expression can hurt people’s feelings.
Example:
A: Look at that guy. He’s talking to himself.
B: He must not be playing with a full deck.
A: Bob’s a great guy, but I sometimes think he's not playing with a full deck.
B: I know what you mean. Yesterday he panicked when he couldn’t find his car in the parking lot. But actually - he had taken the train to work… He just forgot.
Talking Point(s):
Do you know anyone who’s not playing with a full deck?
大人からの英会話getgo 西船橋・荻窪・津田沼・本八幡