trick up (one's) sleeve

trick up (one's) sleeve

A secret plan, idea, or advantage that 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. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve if he decides to pursue legal action against me.
See also: sleeve, trick, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • a card up (one's) sleeve
  • ace up (one's) sleeve
  • card up one's sleeve
  • have a card up your sleeve
  • have an ace up (one's) sleeve
  • have an ace up one’s sleeve
  • have an ace up your sleeve
  • have an ace/a trick up your sleeve
  • have up sleeve
  • have/keep something up your sleeve