Have a trick up your sleeve: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Have a trick up your sleeve” mean?

"Have a trick up your sleeve" means to have a secret plan or strategy.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He always has a trick up his sleeve when it comes to negotiations.

Example

I'm not worried about the competition, I have a trick up my sleeve.

Example

She's a master at having a trick up her sleeve to get what she wants

Is “Have a trick up your sleeve” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Have a trick up your sleeve” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Have a trick up your sleeve” effectively in context?

You can use "Have a trick up your sleeve" to describe someone who always has a secret plan or strategy to achieve their goals. It implies that the person is clever and resourceful. For example, if a friend is known for being good at negotiations, you might say, 'He always has a trick up his sleeve when it comes to negotiations.'

• 1. Negotiations

  He always has a trick up his sleeve when it comes to negotiations.

• 2. Competition

  I'm not worried about the competition, I have a trick up my sleeve.

• 3. Getting what you want

  She's a master at having a trick up her sleeve to get what she wants.

Similar phrases to “Have a trick up your sleeve”:

Pull a rabbit out of a hat

To perform an unexpected or impressive feat

Example

She pulled a rabbit out of a hat and won the competition.

Keep something up one's sleeve

To have a secret plan or strategy

Example

He always keeps something up his sleeve when it comes to negotiations.

Outsmart someone

To defeat or outwit someone through cleverness or cunning

Example

She outsmarted her opponent and won the game.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Have a trick up your sleeve” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Have a trick up your sleeve" is unknown.

Is “Have a trick up your sleeve” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Have a trick up your sleeve" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who is clever and always has a secret plan or strategy.

What tone does “Have a trick up your sleeve” have?

"Have a trick up your sleeve" conveys a tone of cunning and resourcefulness. It suggests that the person is clever and always one step ahead.

Can “Have a trick up your sleeve” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Have a trick up your sleeve" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes someone who is clever and always has a secret plan or strategy. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He always has a trick up his sleeve when it comes to negotiations.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "have a trick up your sleeve"!' to imply readiness to use a secret plan or strategy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• be one step ahead
• be clever
• be resourceful
• be sly
• be cunning
• be crafty

Antonyms

• be straightforward
• be transparent
• be honest
• be naive
• be gullible