She holds the cards in this negotiation.
hold the cards
idiomTo be in a strong position, possessing significant advantages over someone else; to be in control of a situation involving multiple parties.
Because they have the most money, the investors hold the cards in this business deal.
With the only copy of the secret documents in his possession, he clearly holds the cards in his dispute with the board of directors.
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apron-string hold
An estate held by a man during his wife's life.
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buy and hold
A passive investment strategy where an investor purchases an asset and retains it for many years, rather than trading it frequently.
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don't hold your breath
Don't wait. Said cynically to suggest that what has just been mentioned is unlikely to happen soon or at all.
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few cards shy of a full deck
Mentally deranged; demented; insane.
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give someone their cards
To dismiss someone from employment; to fire or make redundant.
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hand someone their cards
To dismiss someone from employment; to fire or make redundant.
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hold a grudge
To stay angry (at someone or something).
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hold a light
Synonym of hold a candle.