ace up one’s sleeve
Meaning: a powerful, secretive weapon that people can use to their benefit.
Example: "I am wondering how Kellen is going to get her dad to take her on a trip, but I am pretty sure she has an ace up her sleeve." Read more ➺
Cards
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hold all the aces
Meaning: be in a winning position.
Example: Agriculture-wise, the Green Revolution holds all the aces. Read more ➺
on the cards
Meaning: Something very likely to happen, occur or take place.
Example: A promotion is in the cards for him. Read more ➺
put cards on the table
Meaning: be open and honest
Example: When John met up with Jane on their first date, John laid his cards on the table for Jane to know what he wanted. Read more ➺
keep card close to chest
Meaning: be secretive or cautious, give nothing away
Example: The children did not know where they were to go for their family holiday trip. Their dad kept his cards close to his chest. Read more ➺
a house of cards
Meaning: something that can easily be broken or crumble by itself
Example: The police brought the illegal business down like a house of cards as per the news article but it was a much more planned affair in reality. Read more ➺
card up sleeve
Meaning: to have a secret advantage that is suddenly revealed to change the game
Example: He did not just leave his house. He had a card up his sleeve that he did not even reveal to his family, which was his new flat in a posh locality. Read more ➺
