Deuce

/djuːs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A playing card with two pips, especially in the game of cards.

He drew a deuce from the deck, hoping it would help his hand.

In tennis, the score of 40-40, indicating that each player has won three points.

After several long rallies, the score reached deuce, heightening the tension on the court.

An exclamation used to express surprise or frustration, often in the phrase 'What the deuce?'.

What the deuce is going on with that strange noise outside?

verb

To play a card or a hand in which a deuce is used or significant.

He decided to deuce the game by playing his lowest card.

From Old French 'deus' meaning 'two'.

deuce of a

A term to express something that is difficult or troublesome.

what the deuce

An expression of surprise or confusion.

duo

a group of two people or things.

double

consisting of two parts or things.

pair

two similar or corresponding things.

A term referring to something of little importance.

That project is a deuce, we don't need to worry about it.

Used as a mild expletive.

Deuce, that's a bad idea!