ace in the hole

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR C1

Post

Figurative meaning

a secret advantage kept hidden until it is needed

Why this phrase?

From stud poker: an ace dealt face-down in the hole, invisible to other players.

Example

“She kept the enterprise plan as an ace in the hole.”

Dictionary details

Component words

ace hole

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

ace up your sleeve Neutral · CEFR C1

a hidden advantage kept in reserve

go down a rabbit hole Informal · CEFR B2

to get lost in a long, winding, often pointless digression while researching or building something

trump card Neutral · CEFR B2

a hidden advantage kept in reserve for the decisive moment

stay the course Neutral · CEFR B1

to continue with a plan despite difficulties or doubt

test the waters Neutral · CEFR B1

to try something cautiously before committing fully to it

the early bird catches the worm Neutral · CEFR B1

Those who act promptly have the best chance of success.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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