Question

in_the_loop_002 to have an effective but hidden means to accomplish something The expression originates from card games like poker, in which players might hide an extra ace up their sleeves to use in case they were losing the game and wanted to cheat.

Accepted Answer

ACE UP (ONE’S) SLEEVE It looks like Joanne is going to lose, but I wouldn’t be too sure. She may have an ace up her sleeve.No matter how many times I think Paul might lose to me in a game of chess, he never does. He always has an ace up his sleeve and wins every game.

Id	in_the_loop_002
Idiom	ACE UP (ONE’S) SLEEVE
Definition	to have an effective but hidden means to accomplish something
Examples	It looks like Joanne is going to lose, but I wouldn’t be too sure. She may have an ace up her sleeve. No matter how many times I think Paul might lose to me in a game of chess, he never does. He always has an ace up his sleeve and wins every game.
Extra Info	The expression originates from card games like poker, in which players might hide an extra ace up their sleeves to use in case they were losing the game and wanted to cheat.

Ace Sleeve I Game Loop One’s Effective Hidden