ace

an ace in the hole (American)

an advantage that you have that other people do not know about. The local team has an ace in the hole with their new player.

See also: hole

be within an ace of something/doing something

come within an ace of something/doing something - to almost achieve something. Her ambition to star in a musical is within an ace of being (= is almost) fulfilled following talks with a West End producer.

See also: within

come within an ace of something/doing something

to almost achieve something. Linford Christie came within an ace of the world indoor record for the 100m last night.

See also: come, within

have an ace up your sleeve

to have an advantage that other people do not know about. The new game show has an ace up its sleeve. It will allow viewers to play from home and win prizes.

See also: sleeve

have/hold all the aces

to be in a strong position when you are competing with someone else, because you have all the advantages. In the battle between road builders and environmentalists, the road builders seem to hold all the aces.

See also: all, hold

play your ace

to do the thing that you know will bring you success. The prosecutor played her ace, the results of the DNA tests on samples taken from the victim's clothing.

See also: play