up one's sleeve
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From the practice of magicians hiding tricks or gimmicks in the sleeve.
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Prepositional phrase[edit]
- (idiomatic) Hidden and ready to be produced as needed; in reserve.
- I have tried everything I can think of, and I don't have anything more up my sleeve.
Usage notes[edit]
- In this sense, the phrase most commonly occurs after a nominal such as ace, trick, surprise, something, more, nothing, anything.