Wild card

Meaning

An unpredictable or surprising element.

Usage

Used in sports, politics, or risk planning.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Card games where an unplanned card changes the game.

Stems from 19th-century card game terminology.