Ace in the hole is an idiom that has been in use since the 1880s. We will examine the meaning of the idiom ace in the hole, where it came from, and some examples of its use in sentences.
An ace in the hole is a hidden advantage or a resource that is being held in reserve. An ace in the hole is usually something that will ensure success and comes as a surprise to others. The idiom ace in the hole comes from the game of poker. Some versions of poker involve dealing a hand of cards face up for all to see and a card face down or in the “hole” that only the player can see. The ace is the highest card in poker, and so an ace in the hole can mean a winning hand. The plural form of ace in the hole is aces in the hole.
Examples
“All that policy deluge before even thinking about negative rates, which is arguably their ace in the hole for more rainy days, has got investors lining up for their rally bus tickets again”, he commented. (Reuters)
“Our ace in the hole is as these pigs get too heavy for marketing, we have the option that we can change the rations and pretty much stall the pigs out on gains. ” (Pork Magazine)
There is one other potential ace in the hole, though, for Kentucky, Texas Tech and any other teams still looking to make a notable roster move for next season: The NCAA’s vote on the transfer rule. (Sports Illustrated)
Check out some others we covered:
- Refers to a son and his father (A chip off the old block)
- A cog in the wheel or a cog in the machine
- Can’t share the burden (A cross to bear)
- Always a day late and a dollar short