Have/keep something up your sleeve
idiom
To have a secret plan or idea ready to use to one's advantage.
He always has something up his sleeve in case his initial plans fail.
Often appears as...
- has a trick up his sleeve
- always having something up her sleeve
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
To have a surprise or secret ready to reveal at the right moment.
I've got something up my sleeve for your birthday. You'll just have to wait and see.
Often appears as...
- keeps surprises up her sleeve
- something special up my sleeve
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
To have a secret plan or idea ready to use to one's advantage.
He always has something up his sleeve in case his initial plans fail.
Often appears as...
- has a trick up his sleeve
- always having something up her sleeve
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
To have a surprise or secret ready to reveal at the right moment.
I've got something up my sleeve for your birthday. You'll just have to wait and see.
Often appears as...
- keeps surprises up her sleeve
- something special up my sleeve
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Sleeve
The 'sleeve' in this phrase is not literal but represents a secretive or hidden place.
Let's negotiate, but let's also have a few concessions up our sleeve just in case.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Connotation
Using this phrase usually suggests cleverness or preparedness, rather than deceitfulness.
Don't worry, I have a few ideas up my sleeve that might just work.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Use
This idiom is best for informal conversations and may not suit formal or academic writing.
In our next game, I've got a new strategy up my sleeve.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Sleeve
The 'sleeve' in this phrase is not literal but represents a secretive or hidden place.
Let's negotiate, but let's also have a few concessions up our sleeve just in case.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Connotation
Using this phrase usually suggests cleverness or preparedness, rather than deceitfulness.
Don't worry, I have a few ideas up my sleeve that might just work.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Use
This idiom is best for informal conversations and may not suit formal or academic writing.
In our next game, I've got a new strategy up my sleeve.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Sleeve
The 'sleeve' in this phrase is not literal but represents a secretive or hidden place.
Let's negotiate, but let's also have a few concessions up our sleeve just in case.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Connotation
Using this phrase usually suggests cleverness or preparedness, rather than deceitfulness.
Don't worry, I have a few ideas up my sleeve that might just work.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Use
This idiom is best for informal conversations and may not suit formal or academic writing.
In our next game, I've got a new strategy up my sleeve.
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