up (one's) sleeve
up (one's) sleeve
Of a plan or advantage, kept in secret so it can be utilized if and when it is required. A reference to cheating at a card game by hiding a favorable card up one's sleeve. My stamina is the ace up my sleeve for this race—the other runners don't stand a chance! I've got a few tricks up my sleeve if he decides to pursue legal action against me.
See also: sleeve, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
up your sleeve
(of a strategy, idea, or resource) kept secret and in reserve for use when needed.See also: sleeve, up
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
up (one's) sleeve
Hidden but ready to be used: I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.
See also: sleeve, up
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- up sleeve
- up your sleeve
- a card up (one's) sleeve
- ace up (one's) sleeve
- have a card up (one's) sleeve
- have a trick up (one's) sleeve
- have an ace up (one's) sleeve
- have up sleeve
- have/keep something up your sleeve
- trick up (one's) sleeve