dance card

Originally, a 'dance card' was used by women to organize their dance partners at formal events. Today, it's often used metaphorically to describe a busy schedule.

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Definition

B2Historical

(dated, formal)A card on which a person lists the names of their dance partners for a formal event.

Example

  • At the ball, she carefully filled out her dance card to ensure she danced with all her friends.

B2Figurative

(informal)A metaphor for one's schedule or list of appointments.

Example

  • My dance card is full this week, so I can't take on any more meetings.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "dance card":

court cardname cardblack cardfile cardpunch cardcontra dancecue cardcountry danceballroom dance