ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ace up one's sleeve

idiom
Meaning

A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.


Origin

disputed origin

From the dishonest hiding of a high-value ace card for use during play, e.g. in the game of poker.

Examples
SIMPLE

She has an ace up her sleeve for the final round.

CONTEXTUAL

The team looked like they were losing, but the coach had an ace up his sleeve to win the game.

COMPLEX

Although the negotiations seemed deadlocked, the diplomat kept an ace up her sleeve, revealing a secret concession that ultimately secured the peace treaty.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace in the hole

    Synonym of ace up one's sleeve.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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