four of a kind: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal
Quick answer
What does “four of a kind” mean?
A poker hand containing four cards of the same rank.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A poker hand containing four cards of the same rank.
Any set of four identical or very similar things; a rare and powerful combination; used metaphorically to describe a group of people who share remarkable similarities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in core meaning. The phrase originates from and is most common in poker, which has universal terminology in English. Metaphorical use is equally understood.
Connotations
Strong connotations of rarity, power, and value in both varieties. Also implies a perfect or extremely fortunate match.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in general discourse, but common within contexts discussing card games, chance, or describing remarkably similar groups.
Grammar
How to Use “four of a kind” in a Sentence
[Subject] has four of a kind.[Subject] and [Subject] are four of a kind.It was four of a kind.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “four of a kind” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He managed to four-of-a-kind his opponents with a stunning final card.
adjective
British English
- They're a four-of-a-kind group of geniuses.
American English
- It was a four-of-a-kind situation, totally unique.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Could metaphorically describe a highly synergistic team: 'The new partners are four of a kind in their strategic vision.'
Academic
Virtually unused except in historical or sociological analysis of gaming.
Everyday
Used literally when discussing card games. Used metaphorically to describe a close-knit, similar group of friends or siblings.
Technical
Standard term in poker theory and probability calculations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “four of a kind”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “four of a kind”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “four of a kind”
- Using 'a four of a kind' (article 'a' is incorrect). *'They are a four of a kind.' Correct: 'They are four of a kind.' Confusing with 'two of a kind' or 'three of a kind' in contexts where four items aren't present.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it originated as and remains the standard term for a poker hand with four cards of the same rank, it is commonly used metaphorically to describe any set of four very similar things or people.
No, the article 'a' is not used. It is a fixed phrase. Correct: 'He had four of a kind.' Incorrect: '*He had a four of a kind.'
In standard poker hand rankings, only a straight flush (including a royal flush) beats four of a kind.
Yes, 'three of a kind' exists with the same structure, used literally in poker (trips) and metaphorically.
A poker hand containing four cards of the same rank.
Four of a kind is usually informal in register.
Four of a kind: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːr əv ə ˈkaɪnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɔr əv ə ˈkaɪnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “four of a kind beats a full house”
- “they were four of a kind”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the FOUR corners of a card table, each holding a player with the SAME (a kind) amazing hand. Four of the same kind.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIMILARITY IS IDENTITY IN A SET (from gaming). VALUE IS RARITY.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'four of a kind' metaphorically imply about a group of people?