in spades

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   In very large amounts; to a great degree, often more than expected.

   Grammar: Comes after a verb or noun phrase: she has talent in spades; it does not change form.

   Patterns

   • have something in spades
   • something in spades
   • be something in spades

   She has courage in spades, which is why the team chose her as captain.

   This old car has character in spades, even if it is slow.

   He brought enthusiasm in spades to every rehearsal.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Used after a verb to say that something unpleasant is also present in large amounts.

   Grammar: Often used with negative qualities: problems in spades, trouble in spades.

   Patterns

   • problems in spades
   • trouble in spades
   • criticism in spades

   The new policy brought criticism in spades from local residents.

   If you rush the project, you will get problems in spades later.

   He has charm in spades but patience in short supply.

Common combinations

have something in spades

She has energy in spades and never seems tired.

talent in spades

The young pianist showed talent in spades at the concert.

problems in spades

Moving without a plan gave them problems in spades.

in spades and then some

The sequel delivers action in spades and then some.

Synonyms and how they differ

abundantly

Means in large amounts but is neutral and formal; in spades is more idiomatic and emphatic.

by the bucketload

Informal and similar in meaning, but suggests countable quantities rather than degree.

in droves

Used mainly for crowds of people arriving, not for qualities or amounts.

Opposites

Commonly confused: in spades or in spade? in spades or in spate?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “in spades”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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