ace in the hole

phrase

Synonyms of ace in the holenext
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

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of ace in the hole was in 1882

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ace in the hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ace%20in%20the%20hole. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on ace in the hole

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster