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3. up (one's) sleeve

up (one's) sleeve

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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