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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

ace in the hole en · NOUN

Pronunciation

Etymology

From stud poker in which there is one unknown card called the hole card, referring to the optimum hole card being an ace.

Meanings

  1. (US, idiomatic, informal) Synonym 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.
    • You didn't think I'd risk losing the battle for Gotham's soul in a fistfight with you? No. You need an ace in the hole. Mine's Harvey. 2008 July 14, Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan, The Dark Knight, spoken by The Joker (Heath Ledger), Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Comics, Legendary Pictures:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
aces in the hole Number=Plur lexicographic

Synonyms

ace up one's sleeve