Answers.com > Wiki Answers > Categories > Literature & Language > Languages and Cultures > English Language > Literary Devices and Figures of Speech > Meaning of 'to have a card up one's sleeve'?

Meaning of 'to have a card up one's sleeve'?

In: Literary Devices and Figures of Speech [Edit categories]

Answer:

The saying, 'to have a card up one's sleeve', derives from gambling with cards, where dishonest players would cheat by concealing certain cards somewhere on their person (often literally up the sleeve) to secretly switch into their hand to win a round.

The modern version does not necessarily mean the person is dishonest. It can mean that the person has a secret strategy in reserve, so that when they seem to be defeated, they will astound everyone by producing a winning solution.

First answer by ID0411710093. Last edit by Jo-bar. Contributor trust: 178 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question].

[report abuse]

Can you answer these Literary Devices and Figures of Speech questions?

	What are the figures of speech used in rose cheeked Laura?	Answer it!
	What are 4 types of figurative language?	Answer it!
	What are the figures of speech used in louse and the mosquito?	Answer it!
	What are the figures of speech used in a style of loving?	Answer it!
	How does literature and informational text reveal people's dream of flying?	Answer it!

Relevant answers:

What is the meaning of to have something up one's sleeve?
This is an old saying which means to have a secret that can be used to benefit them. It comes from the game of poker. Having something up one's sleeve is in reference to those who cheat at poker,...
What does the expression 'to have a card up one's sleeve' mean?
A person would hide a card up his sleeve if he was playing poker or performing card tricks. So, this term meant that you had a trick or a surprise that you were concealing.
What is the meaning of something up your sleeves?
this means that you have a trick you're about to do.
What is the meaning of An ace up your sleeve?
The expression means that you ("the person with the ace up his sleeve") have an advantage that might come as a surprise to others.
What is the meaning of the phrase 'an ace up your sleeve'?
Having an ace up your sleeve means that you have a surprise or hidden weapon.