trump

come (or turn) up trumps

1 (of a person or situation) have a better performance or outcome than expected.

2 (of a person) be especially generous or helpful. informal, chiefly British

☞ In bridge, whist, and similar card games, trumps are cards of the suit that has been chosen to rank above the other suits. The word trump is an alteration of triumph, which was once used in card games in the same sense.