little slam: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialised, Technical, Formal (in card games); Metaphorical use is informal.
Quick answer
What does “little slam” mean?
In contract bridge and other card games, the winning of 12 out of 13 possible tricks by one partnership.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In contract bridge and other card games, the winning of 12 out of 13 possible tricks by one partnership.
Achieving a significant, high-level goal that falls just short of the absolute maximum or complete victory. Can be used metaphorically outside of card games.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the core term within the card game context. Metaphorical use is equally rare in both.
Connotations
In card contexts, a skilled or ambitious achievement. Metaphorically, it can imply a touch of 'so close, yet not the ultimate'.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English; common only within bridge/whist communities.
Grammar
How to Use “little slam” in a Sentence
to bid/make/achieve a little slamThe partnership [VERBed] a little slam.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “little slam” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They hoped to little slam but settled for game.
- He's aiming to little slam on this hand.
American English
- They're trying to little slam in this tournament.
- She little slammed twice last night.
adjective
British English
- A little slam bid is a bold move.
- They were in a little slam contract.
American English
- The little slam attempt failed by one trick.
- He made a brilliant little slam play.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could describe a major project win that captures nearly all of a market segment.
Academic
Rare. May appear in game theory or probability studies.
Everyday
Very rare. Likely only used by card players discussing a game.
Technical
Standard term in contract bridge, whist, and related card games.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “little slam”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “little slam”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “little slam”
- Using 'small slam' in formal bridge writing (though understood, 'little slam' is standard).
- Confusing it with 'grand slam' in non-card contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in common usage they are synonymous, though 'little slam' is the more traditional and standard term in bridge.
Yes, but it's rare and metaphorical, indicating a major success that is just short of the absolute best possible outcome.
The score varies depending on vulnerability and denomination (e.g., no-trumps vs. a suit). It is a high-scoring contract.
A little slam requires winning 12 of 13 tricks. A grand slam requires winning all 13 tricks and is significantly harder and higher-scoring.
In contract bridge and other card games, the winning of 12 out of 13 possible tricks by one partnership.
Little slam is usually specialised, technical, formal (in card games); metaphorical use is informal. in register.
Little slam: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɪt.l̩ ˈslæm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɪt.l̩ ˈslæm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pull off a little slam (metaphorically)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'little slam' as a BIG win that's just a LITTLE bit less than the GRAND, ultimate win.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVEMENT IS A HIERARCHICAL SCALE (with little slam being a high but not the highest point).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the term 'little slam'?