In the cards" is an idiom that means something is likely or probable to happen. There are several synonyms that can be used instead of "in the cards", such as "on the horizon", "likely outcome", "probable scenario", or "foreseeable future". These synonyms convey the same idea of something being expected or anticipated to occur. Similarly, one could use "in the offing", "in the pipeline", or "in the works" to suggest that something is underway or in progress. No matter the phrasing, these synonyms help to express certainty and expectation about what is to come.