THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Ace in the hole
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
A hidden advantage or resource.
Usage note: keep in mind
An ace in the hole is an advantage or resource kept in reserve until it is useful. Use an before ace. The expression is especially common in American English; ace up your sleeve is a related expression. Explain the hidden advantage in your sentence.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Her public speaking skills are her ace in the hole during negotiations.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Her public speaking skills are her ________ during negotiations.
Show the answer
Ace in the hole — A hidden advantage or resource.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Ace in the hole” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
A hidden advantage or resource.
Compare: Her public speaking skills are her ace in the hole during negotiations.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- Our spare venue was an ace in the hole when rain interrupted the outdoor event.
- The team had an ace in the hole: a member who spoke the client's language.
Check your understanding
A team quietly keeps a backup design ready in case its first plan fails. What is its ace in the hole?
Check your answer
The backup design. It is a useful resource held in reserve, rather than the plan everyone is already using.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where ace in the hole fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.