Have a card up your sleeve

usgb
idiom

To have a secret plan, idea, or advantage that can be used if and when it is needed.

Don't worry about the negotiation, we have a card up our sleeve
Visual representation of "have a card up your sleeve" - To have a secret plan, idea, or advantage that can be used if and when it is needed

Often appears as...

  • keep a card up your sleeve
  • play a card from your sleeve

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "have a card up your sleeve"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphoric Use

The phrase is often used metaphorically rather than literally, referring to any unseen advantage.

Illustration for Metaphoric Use
Even with odds against us, we still have a card up our sleeve.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Strategic Surprise

Use this phrase to imply a strategic surprise that can turn a situation around unexpectedly.

Illustration for Strategic Surprise
They thought they had won, but we had a card up our sleeve.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Literal Origin

Originally from card games where a player might cheat by hiding a card, now means any secret strategy.

Illustration for Literal Origin
This idiom comes from players who had a card up their sleeve to cheat in a game.
Visual representation of the word "Have a card up your sleeve"

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