long suit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, figurative
Quick answer
What does “long suit” mean?
In card games (especially bridge), the suit (hearts, clubs, etc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In card games (especially bridge), the suit (hearts, clubs, etc.) in which a player holds the most cards.
A personal strength, advantage, or area of expertise; one's forte.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originates from and is most common in card-playing contexts (bridge/whist). Both varieties use the figurative meaning identically.
Connotations
Suggests a strategic or inherent advantage. Slightly formal and somewhat idiomatic.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in both. More likely in written or formal spoken contexts (business, journalism) than casual conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “long suit” in a Sentence
X is Y's long suitX is not Y's long suitto make X one's long suitVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"Negotiation has never been her long suit; she excels more in analytical tasks."
Academic
Rare. Might appear in critiques: "Theoretical rigour is the author's long suit, though empirical evidence is scant."
Everyday
"Cooking isn't exactly my long suit – I'm better at ordering takeaway."
Technical
Primarily in card-game literature for its literal meaning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “long suit”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “long suit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “long suit”
- Using it to mean 'a long-lasting lawsuit'.
- Using 'long suite' (homophone error).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's not extremely common in everyday casual talk. It's more frequent in writing, business, or formal contexts where a nuanced synonym for 'strength' is needed.
It can be used for institutions, companies, or abstract entities (e.g., "The team's long suit is its defence"), but it is most naturally applied to the qualities of people or groups of people.
In the card-game sense, it's 'short suit'. Figuratively, common opposites are 'weakness', 'Achilles' heel', or 'shortcoming'.
It originates from whist and bridge, games where holding many cards in one suit ('a long suit') is a strategic advantage, making it easier to win tricks.
In card games (especially bridge), the suit (hearts, clubs, etc.
Long suit is usually formal, figurative in register.
Long suit: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒŋ ˈsuːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɔːŋ ˈsuːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play to one's long suit”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a poker player wearing a very LONG coat (a SUIT) with many pockets. His LONG SUIT (coat) holds all his best cards (strengths).
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES ARE CARDS IN A HAND / LIFE IS A CARD GAME.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'long suit' LEAST likely to be used?