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

Examples of ace in the hole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And when the bulls aren’t bugling, wallow hunting offers another ace in the hole when conventional methods won’t work. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for ace in the hole

• amphibole
• asystole
• buttonhole
• casserole
• centriole
• decontrol
• glycerol
• metropole
• monopole
• multipole
• omeprazole
• oriole