[Idiom] HAVE AN ACE UP YOUR SLEEVE. - Leveraging Hidden Assets to Gain the Upper Hand
Have an ace up your sleeve.
have a hidden advantage
To 'Have an ace up your sleeve' refers to having a secret or hidden advantage that can be used to one’s benefit when the time is right. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to card games where a player might literally have an ace card concealed, signifying a guaranteed win. Metaphorically, it applies to any situation where keeping an unseen advantage or contingency plan provides a strategic edge. It’s a common phrase used in discussions about business strategies, competitive sports, or any field requiring a bit of cunning and foresight. This idiom celebrates the shrewdness of holding back until the moment is just right to reveal one’s true strength.
Example Sentences
He always has an ace up his sleeve during negotiations.
He always keeps a hidden advantage in negotiations.
Just when you think he's beat, he reveals an ace up his sleeve.
Just when it seems like he is losing, he surprises everyone with a hidden strength.
She's known for having an ace up her sleeve in stressful times.
She's known for maintaining a secret advantage during difficult times.