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devil's bed-posts

A card players' slang term for the four of clubs — one of the unlucky cards in traditional British superstition and card-game folklore.

ˈdɛvəlz ˈbɛdˌpoʊsts117 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 28, 2026

A card players' slang term for the four of clubs — one of the unlucky cards in traditional British superstition and card-game folklore. The name implies something sinister or ill-omened about this particular card, though the exact origin of the superstition is unclear. Used among card players in Britain.

He turned over the devil's bed-posts and swore under his breath — never a good sign in this game.
Origin: British card-game slang; the four of clubs, associated with bad luck in traditional card-playing superstition. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora (model-assisted, hedged).
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

(card games, slang) The four of clubs.

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