ace in the hole
phrase
1
: an ace dealt face down to a player (as in stud poker) and not exposed until the showdown
2
: an effective and decisive argument or resource held in reserve
Cite this Entry
“Ace in the hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ace%20in%20the%20hole. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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