ace up your sleeve
Meaning
A secret advantage, plan, or resource you keep hidden until it’s useful, especially in competition or negotiation.
Origin
From card games and gambling: a player could cheat by hiding an ace in their sleeve and producing it later, so it became a metaphor for a concealed advantage.
Notes
Implies a hidden advantage or backup plan; can sound strategic or slightly sly. Used in competition, negotiations, or planning; acceptable in casual and business contexts. Avoid implying cheating unless intended.
Examples
-
She didn’t mention it in the meeting, but she had an ace up her sleeve: a signed contract from their biggest client.
-
I thought we were out of options until Raj revealed the ace up his sleeve—a backup server already configured.
-
Keep an ace up your sleeve in negotiations, so you’re not forced to accept the first offer.
-
The team looked nervous, but the coach had an ace up his sleeve and switched to a strategy they’d practiced in secret.
-
He acted surprised at the results, but it was clear he’d had an ace up his sleeve the whole time.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used with “have/keep an ace up your sleeve.” Article is typically “an.” Can vary subject/tense (had/has/keeping). Often followed by “for” or “in case.”
Synonyms
- secret weapon
- hidden advantage
- trump card
- back-up plan
- plan b
- ace in the hole
Antonyms
- lay your cards on the table
- show your hand
- play with an open hand