1
general::
Phrase(s): the cards are stacked against one
[informal] luck is against one. (See also stack the deck (against someone or something).) • I have the worst luck. The cards are stacked against me all the time. • How can I accomplish anything when the cards are stacked against me?
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Many difficulties face someone or something, as in The cards are stacked against the new highway project. This term originated in gambling, where to stack the cards or stack the deck means to arrange cards secretly and dishonestly in one's own favor or against one's opponent. [Mid-1800s]
American Heritage Idioms