Ace up your sleeve - idiom meaning?

Question

What is the meaning of "have an ace up your sleeve" idiom?

Answer 1

 

Idiom Conjugations:

 

Answer 2

Gerund Form of the Idiom:

Having an ace up your sleeve shows forethought and planning.
 

Answer 3

Idiom Usage:

Notice that in the plural forms, especially first person plural, that it is possible to use the singular (ace) if we are talking about a collective as a single unit.  For example, a sports team can be considered as a single unit.  Therefore one ace up their collective sleeves.
Whereas, "you (all)" and "they" are plural and we must use the plural "aces".
 

Answer 4

Idiom Scenario 2:

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The weather is becoming cold.  There is a killing frost forecast for tonight.  All my plants outside will freeze and die.  What am I going to do?  Well, ...

"I have an ace up my sleeve."

I have some large sheets that I have stored out in the shed.  I am going to put covers over all the plants and they will not freeze.

 

Answer 5

Idiom Scenario 1:

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Craig has just made a major sales presentation to some prospective new clients.  Making this sale would not only assure Craig's rising sales career but would keep his company in business for the next three years.  This is a big big sales pitch.  Unfortunately, the prospective customers are not impressed and it looks as if Craig will not make the sale.  One of Craig's coworkers whispers to the person beside him...

"Craig always has an ace up his sleeve."

In this context, Craig will produce or present an idea or further information that will allow the sale to be made.  For example, he might tell the prospective customers that his company will produce the product for one half the price that the competition charges.

 

Answer 6

Idiom Definition:

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"to have an ace up your sleeve"

to have a secret or hidden plan ready to implement if necessary    
 

Synonyms: advantage, resource, secret, trick
to have a literal ace up your sleeve - - - - ->