play one's cards right
play one's cards right or play one's cards well {v. phr.}, {informal}
To use abilities and opportunities so as to be successful; act cleverly; make the best use of your place or skills.
That millionaire started with very little but showed a skill in playing his cards right.
People liked Harold, and he played his cards well — and soon he began to get ahead rapidly.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms