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Suggested terms: Texas Hold'em
Click one for hint, twice for full word
face down
Meaning: Cards are dealt with the front side hidden from view.
Example: He put the photo face down on the table.
go all-in
Meaning: In poker, to bet all your chips; figuratively, to commit fully to something.
Example: She went all-in on her new business idea, investing all her savings.
sure bet
Meaning: Something guaranteed to succeed or happen.
Example: Investing in government bonds is often seen as a sure bet.
Note: Used negatively in the text: “no such thing as a sure bet” = nothing is guaranteed.
thinking in absolutes
Meaning: Seeing things as black-or-white, 100% true or false, without nuance.
Example: Stop thinking in absolutes; life is full of shades of gray.
over and over again
Meaning: Repeatedly, many times.
Example: He listened to the song over and over again.
plain common sense
Meaning: Simple, practical reasoning that doesn’t require special knowledge.
Example: It’s just plain common sense to lock your doors at night.
probabilistic
IPA: /ˌprɒb.ə.bɪˈlɪs.tɪk/ (UK), /ˌprɑː.bə.bɪˈlɪs.tɪk/ (US)
Meaning: Based on the likelihood of different outcomes rather than certainty.
Meaning: Based on the likelihood of different outcomes rather than certainty.
Example: Life is probabilistic, so sound decisions can sometimes lead to bad outcomes.
likelihood
IPA: /ˈlaɪ.kli.hʊd/ (UK & US)
Meaning: The chance or probability that something will happen.
Meaning: The chance or probability that something will happen.
Example: Weigh the likelihood of desired outcomes against the risk of undesired ones.
fundamentally sound
IPA: /ˌfʌn.dəˈmen.tə.li saʊnd/ (UK & US)
Meaning: Based on solid reasoning or reliable principles (math, science, or common sense).
Meaning: Based on solid reasoning or reliable principles (math, science, or common sense).
Example: Focus on whether your decision-making is fundamentally sound, not just the latest outcome.
Other Listening Exercises
How to make decisions like a poker pro
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