deuce

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deuce1 / d(y)oōs/ • n. 1. a thing representing, or represented by, the number two, in particular: ∎  the two on dice or playing cards. ∎  a throw of two at dice. ∎ inf., dated a two-dollar bill.2. Tennis the tie score of 40-all in a game, at which a player needs two consecutive points to win the game.deuce2 • n. (the deuce) inf. used as a euphemism for “devil” in expressions of annoyance, impatience, or surprise or for emphasis: how the deuce are we to make a profit? what the deuce are you trying to do?PHRASES: a (or the) deuce of a —— used to emphasize how bad, difficult, or serious something is.

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