On the cards

[lankeela]

I know this means something that was predicted or predictable, but does it come from Tarot cards, i.e. telling the future?

[Quizmonster]

One of the earliest uses of the phrase in this sense is in Dickens' David Copperfield. It meant that - just as with playing cards rather than Tarot cards specifically - anything might turn up. In other words, it refers to a possibility or, sometimes, a probability.

[Mr Songman]

According to my reference, and also the way I've always heard it used, the phrase does not mean a possiblility or a probability. It means that something was predictable and very likely to happen.

"well yes he went bust, but that was pretty much on the cards!"

It is considered by most to have come from Tarot readings in the 18th century. When a predictable event took place it was common to conclude that it had previously been "on the cards"

Hope this helps!

[Quizmonster]

A 'probability' - as stated in my earlier response - actually means ' something liable to turn up'.
Here is what the 'bible' on English phrase origins - The Oxford English Dictionary - has to say about 'on the cards'...

"It appears to mean 'liable to turn up' as anything in the game may when the cards are turned up, but it is very possible that the phrase originated with cartomancy. Other sources have also been conjectured."

'Cartomancy' is, of course, foretelling the future using cards...again, not necessarily using a Tarot pack. Plus, it may possibly come from elsewhere entirely.
The fact is that there is no earlier use of the phrase than the one used by Dickens in David Copperfield, published in 1849, well into the 19th century, as I already mentioned.

[Mr Songman]

My mistake for the typo in my response Quizmonster, I did indeed mean the 19th century. I have the same reference.

And I really didn't mean to argue the point you made but the way your answer was phrased gave me the impression that your definition of "on the cards" was a little ambiguous.

"specifically- anything might turn up. In other words, it refers to a possibility"

I find it difficult still to reconcile "liable to" with " anything might turn up".

As to the OED reference, I must point out that even they, your Bible, point out that:

"it APPEARS to mean liable to turn up". Liable however is I feel much stronger than "anything" or even "a possibility".

The OED, like the Bible, is open to interpretation!!

Good luck and good day to you sir!

[lankeela]

Looks like I may have started something here! Still, that was always on the cards!!!LOL

Thanks folks

[EngleSure]

The expression is used when indicating that some authority has decided upon an action, but it has not yet been made public e.g. "It seems that interest rate rises are on the cards."
A search of the expression on Google will show that the future expectation is based on the knowledge of the considerations of some human decision-making provess, and not a matter that is within the realm of fortune telling, card reading or supernatural influences.

The origin may be from decisions that have been agreed and written down 'on the cards' of those concerned, as an agreed plan of action, though not yet implemented.