Hold all the aces
phrase
To have all the advantages.
She holds all the aces because she has evidence of his crime.

Often appears as...
- she holds all the aces
- they hold all the aces
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be in a position of power or control.
In the negotiations, it was clear that he held all the aces.

Often appears as...
- he holds all the aces
- company holds all the aces
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To have all the advantages.
She holds all the aces because she has evidence of his crime.

Often appears as...
- she holds all the aces
- they hold all the aces
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be in a position of power or control.
In the negotiations, it was clear that he held all the aces.

Often appears as...
- he holds all the aces
- company holds all the aces
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2

Card Game Origin
The phrase comes from card games where 'aces' are high-value cards, symbolizing strong advantages.

With her qualifications, she holds all the aces in the job market.
Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to describe non-physical advantages like information or resources.

Owning the patent means he holds all the aces in the industry.
Conversational Tone
It's a casual expression, suitable for everyday conversation rather than formal writing.

Because I knew the secret, I held all the aces at the meeting.
Card Game Origin
The phrase comes from card games where 'aces' are high-value cards, symbolizing strong advantages.

With her qualifications, she holds all the aces in the job market.
Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to describe non-physical advantages like information or resources.

Owning the patent means he holds all the aces in the industry.
Conversational Tone
It's a casual expression, suitable for everyday conversation rather than formal writing.

Because I knew the secret, I held all the aces at the meeting.
Card Game Origin
The phrase comes from card games where 'aces' are high-value cards, symbolizing strong advantages.

With her qualifications, she holds all the aces in the job market.
Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to describe non-physical advantages like information or resources.

Owning the patent means he holds all the aces in the industry.
Conversational Tone
It's a casual expression, suitable for everyday conversation rather than formal writing.

Because I knew the secret, I held all the aces at the meeting.
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