face card

Meaning

This term refers to a person's facial attractiveness, beauty, and the social currency or influence that comes with being highly attractive. The metaphor comes from a credit card that 'never declines,' meaning their beauty is undeniable and universally accepted anywhere they go. It is a highly complimentary, casual expression popular on social media.

Examples

• She didn't even have to pay for her drinks because her face card never declines.

  She didn't even have to pay for her drinks because her face card never declines.

• Look at his modeling portfolio; his face card is absolutely insane.

  Look at his modeling portfolio; his face card is absolutely insane.

• You don't need a fancy outfit when your face card is that strong.

  You don't need a fancy outfit when your face card is that strong.

• Her face card is so powerful she gets brand deals without even trying.

  Her face card is so powerful she gets brand deals without even trying.

• I love her makeup in this photo, her face card is unmatched.

  I love her makeup in this photo, her face card is unmatched.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I paid for the meal with my face card.

  ✓ I paid for the meal with my credit card.

  'Face card' is a metaphor for physical beauty and social leverage, not an actual payment card.

• ✗ She has a nice face card.

  ✓ Her face card never declines.

  While 'strong face card' is used, the most common and natural collocation is saying one's 'face card never declines'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• She got VIP access to the club just because her ___.

  💡 Her beauty is an undeniable asset.

  Show answer

  face card never declines

• With a ___ like that, he was destined to be a model.

  💡 Extremely attractive facial features.

  Show answer

  face card