have the cards in one's hands

Verb

To have the initiative for or the means of success, to be in a position to control the outcome.

Japanese Meaning

主導権を握る、結果に対してコントロールができる状態にある / 成功への手段や決定要因をすでに手中に収めていることを示す

To have the cards in one's hands is essential if you want to control the negotiations.

交渉を左右したければ、主導権を握ることが不可欠だ。

Sense（1）

To have the initiative for or the means of success, to be in a position to control the outcome.

has the cards in one's hands

（ present singular third-person ）

having the cards in one's hands

（ participle present ）

had the cards in one's hands

（ participle past ）

had the cards in one's hands

（ past ）