mark someone's card

mark (one's) card

To alert one to pertinent information about something or someone; to tip one off. Shortly after I started, one of my coworkers marked my card about the boss's tendency to give very harsh criticism.

See also: card, mark

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

mark someone's card

give someone information. informal

This idiom, which dates from the mid 20th century, derives from the world of horse racing. The card is a race card , the list of runners at a race meeting, so to mark someone's card is to give them tips for possible winners.

See also: card, mark

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017