To have something up one's sleeve
Meaning
To possess a secret plan, advantage, or resource that is being kept hidden for future use, often to gain an advantage or surprise someone.
Origin
The phrase vividly conjures images of sneaky card players or clever stage magicians. In the days before fitted pockets became common, garments often featured voluminous sleeves that served as convenient hiding places. Card sharps and gamblers would ruthlessly exploit this, secretly tucking an "ace" or a winning card into their wide sleeves, ready to be subtly produced at a crucial moment to cheat their way to victory. Similarly, early magicians would use their sleeves to conceal objects, later making them 'magically' appear. This literal act of concealment for a strategic advantage seamlessly transformed into the metaphorical meaning we use today, signifying a hidden plan or secret resource held in reserve.
Examples
- The chess master seemed to be losing, but I knew he probably had something up his sleeve to turn the game around.
- Just when we thought the deal was lost, the negotiator revealed she had something big up her sleeve that secured the agreement.