ace in the hole
English
Etymology
From stud poker in which there is one unknown card called the "hole card;" referring to the optimum "hole card" being an ace.
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun
ace in the hole (plural aces in the hole)
- (US, idiomatic, informal, slang) Alternative form of ace up one's sleeve
- Our ace in the hole left our opponents stupefied; it isn't every day that an NBA star plays street basketball.
Translations
ace up one's sleeve — see ace up one's sleeve