English idiom

ace up your sleeve

Register · Neutral CEFR C1

Post

Figurative meaning

a hidden advantage kept in reserve

Why this phrase?

A concealed ace represents a powerful advantage kept hidden until the right moment.

Example

“She had an ace up her sleeve — a patent on the core algorithm.”

Dictionary details

Component words

ace sleeve

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

ace in the hole

a secret advantage kept hidden until it is needed

trump card

a hidden advantage kept in reserve for the decisive moment

stay the course

to continue with a plan despite difficulties or doubt

test the waters

to try something cautiously before committing fully to it

the name of the game

the central, most important aspect of a situation

cash cow

a product or business that generates steady, reliable profit with little further investment

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.

External links

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