ace in the hole
Meaning: A hidden but effective means of winning a conflict.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The expression originates from some forms of the card game poker, in which players have both community cards and private ("hole") cards in their hands. To have an ace in one's private hand means that one can win the game without others suspecting ahead of time.
More idioms — Daily Life
- achilles' heel — A person's weakness or the vulnerable spot in his or her character.
- acid test — The most crucial or important test of worth.
- across the board — Equally for everyone, for everything, or in all cases.
- actions speak louder than words — The things that people do (actions) are more important than the things they say (words).
- all kidding aside — Speaking seriously.
- all thumbs — Uncoordinated and awkward, especially with one's hands.
More English idioms
- all wet — Wrong to the point of being silly or unbelievable.
- at loggerheads — In strong disagreement, in a quarrel; at an impasse.
- at one's wits' end — At a loss about what to do next; in a state of frustration.
- at the drop of a hat — On any pretext; without needing an excuse or reason.
- at the end of one's rope — No longer able to deal with a bad situation.
- ax to grind — A hidden reason for wanting something or for not liking someone or something.
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