What does “Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve” mean?

"Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve" means to have a secret advantage or plan.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He always has an ace up his sleeve when it comes to negotiations.

Example

She's a strategic thinker and always has an ace up her sleeve.

Example

The team had an ace up their sleeve and surprised everyone with their innovative approach

Is “Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Have an Ace Up One’s 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 an Ace Up One’s Sleeve” effectively in context?

You can use "Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve" to describe someone who always has a secret advantage or plan that they can use when needed. It implies that the person is strategic and prepared for any situation. For example, if a friend is known for being resourceful and always finding a solution to problems, you might say, 'He's a problem-solver and always has an ace up his sleeve.'

1Negotiations
He always has an ace up his sleeve when it comes to negotiations.
2Strategic Thinking
She's a strategic thinker and always has an ace up her sleeve.
3Surprising Others
The team had an ace up their sleeve and surprised everyone with their innovative approach.

Similar phrases to “Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve”:

Pull a rabbit out of a hat

To produce something unexpectedly or perform a surprising feat

Example

The magician pulled a rabbit out of a hat, surprising the audience.

Keep one's cards close to one's chest

To keep one's plans or intentions secret

Example

He's a secretive person and always keeps his cards close to his chest.

Play one's trump card

To use one's most powerful or effective strategy or resource

Example

She played her trump card and won the argument.

Hold all the aces

To have all the advantages or power in a situation

Example

He held all the aces in the negotiation and got exactly what he wanted.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the world of gambling. In card games, players would sometimes hide an ace card up their sleeve as a secret advantage to use at a crucial moment.

Is “Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who is clever, resourceful, and always prepared with a secret advantage or plan.

What tone does “Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve” have?

"Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve" conveys a tone of admiration and intrigue. It suggests that the person being described is skilled at thinking ahead and has the ability to surprise others with their hidden advantage.

Can “Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of having a secret advantage or plan. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or presentations.

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 an ace up his sleeve in negotiations.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to reveal my "ace up my sleeve"!' to imply readiness to surprise others.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

be one step ahead
have a secret weapon
be prepared for anything
be in control
have a trick up one's sleeve

Antonyms

be caught off guard
be unprepared
lack a backup plan
be at a disadvantage