joker

joker (playing card)

noun ZHO-kehr Rare

Origin: English 'joker'

Also means

wild card, trump card (figurative)

Usage Note

Joker entered French from English and refers to the wild card in a deck of cards. Figuratively, jouer son joker means to play one's trump card or use a last resort. It is also used in game shows where a contestant can use a lifeline.

Examples

"Il a joué son joker pour passer."

Natural Translation

He played his wild card to pass.

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