full house

1. One's house when all of the bedrooms are occupied. We've got the kids home from college and Tom's sister coming to stay with us, so it's going to be a full house this Christmas! With so many relatives in town, my sister's got a full house, so my wife and I are staying at a hotel. When you have eight kids, it feels like you always have a full house.

2. A theater or other venue that is at full capacity. The play has been a huge success! We've had a full house every single night this week. Based on meager ticket presales, I wouldn't anticipate a full house when the show opens. When you're an actor, it's just so exhilarating to perform Shakespeare in front of a full house!

3. By extension, any space that no longer has room for other people or things. A: "Hey, can I get a ride home in your van?" B: "Sorry, full house." A: "Is there room in the freezer for some of these leftovers?" B: "Nope—full house." A: "Wait, Mom, I really can't stay at the house?" B: "I'm sorry honey, but with your sister and the kids in town, we already have a full house."

4. In poker, a hand containing three cards of one rank (the same number or face card) and two cards of a different rank. A: "OK, show us what you've got!" B: "Full house, baby—three eights and two queens!" I thought for sure I would win with a full house, but Tom had four of a kind and won the whole pot. You might want to stop gloating over your full house because I have a royal flush, baby!