Card up one's sleeve meaning

Having a secret ambush plan or advantage that can be used if needed.


Card up one's sleeve definitions

Word backwards drac pu s'eno eveels
Part of speech The part of speech for "card up one's sleeve" is a noun phrase.
Syllabic division card up one's sleeve syllable separation: card / up / one's / sleeve
Plural The plural of "card up one's sleeve" is "cards up one's sleeves."
Total letters 16
Vogais (4) a,u,o,e
Consonants (8) c,r,d,p,n,s,l,v

What is the Meaning of "Card Up One's Sleeve"?

Card up one's sleeve is a commonly used idiom that refers to having a secret plan or advantage that can be used if needed, especially in a competitive situation. The phrase originates from the practice of cheating in card games, where a player might hide an extra card up their sleeve to use to their advantage.

Origins of the Phrase

The phrase "card up one's sleeve" comes from the world of gambling and card games. Cheating at card games has a long history, and players have used various methods to gain an advantage over their opponents. One common tactic was to hide an extra card up their sleeve, which they could then use to improve their hand and increase their chances of winning.

Usage of the Phrase

Today, the expression has moved beyond its original context and is used more broadly to describe any hidden advantage or strategy that someone keeps in reserve. It can refer to a backup plan, a secret weapon, or insider knowledge that gives someone an edge in a particular situation.

Examples in Everyday Life

People might talk about having a card up their sleeve when discussing negotiations, job interviews, sports competitions, or any situation where having a hidden advantage could make a difference. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is always prepared and ready for any challenge that comes their way.

Conclusion

Understanding the meaning of card up one's sleeve can help you recognize when someone has a hidden advantage or secret plan in a given situation. While it might have originated in the world of card games, the phrase has now become a common way to describe strategic thinking and preparedness in various aspects of life.


Card up one's sleeve Examples

  1. During the card game, he slyly slipped a card up his sleeve to use later.
  2. The magician had a card up his sleeve as a backup plan for the trick.
  3. She always had a card up her sleeve to win arguments with her siblings.
  4. The politician had a card up his sleeve to gain an advantage in the upcoming election.
  5. The student kept a cheat sheet with answers on it, hidden like a card up their sleeve during the test.
  6. The detective had a card up his sleeve to solve the case before anyone else.
  7. The CEO always had a card up his sleeve to outsmart the competition.
  8. The athlete had a secret training regimen like a card up their sleeve to surprise opponents.
  9. The spy had a fake identity card up their sleeve to use in case of emergency.
  10. The negotiator always had a card up their sleeve to close business deals successfully.


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  • Updated 06/04/2024 - 03:57:13