to have an advantage that other people do not know about.
I still had a card up my sleeve in the form of a letter from his father.
(redirected from have a card up sleeve)
have a card up (one's) sleeve
To have a secret plan, idea, or advantage that can be utilized if and when it is required. A reference to cheating at a card game by hiding a favorable card up one's sleeve. She has a card up her sleeve if they ever try to fire her, since she knows about the boss's unscrupulous business practices.
have a card up your sleeve
have a plan or asset that is kept secret until it is needed. British