"The House of Cards"

"The House of Cards" is a metaphor for a fragile and complex situation built on careful planning, manipulation, or deception. Like a real house of cards, it appears stable but is vulnerable to collapse if one element shifts or is removed. In politics or personal relationships, it highlights how seemingly strong foundations can be easily destabilized by underlying weaknesses or unchecked ambitions. The phrase emphasizes the delicate balance and potential for rapid downfall when dependencies are overstretched or integrity is compromised, illustrating the precarious nature of such constructed systems or schemes.