up sleeve

(something) up (one's) sleeve

A secret plan, idea, or advantage that 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. Usually used with "have" or "keep." They think they have an airtight case against me, but I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. She's keeping all the details of their unscrupulous business practices up her sleeve should they ever try to fire her. I figured the defense attorney had something up her sleeve, and here it is—a new eye-witness.

See also: sleeve, up

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

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

up (one's) sleeve

Hidden but ready to be used: I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.

See also: sleeve, up

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.