Exploring the idiom ‘card up sleeve,’ we’ll delve into its meaning, uncover its origin, and examine real-life examples. Ready to uncover the secrets behind this idiom? Let’s begin!
Meaning of the Idiom
The idiom ‘card up sleeve’ refers to having a hidden advantage or secret strategy that is kept concealed until the right moment. The imagery comes from the idea of a card player hiding a valuable card in the sleeve of their clothing during a game. This idiom is often used to describe someone who has a surprise or hidden resource that can be used strategically.
Origin of the Idiom
The origin of this idiom is rooted in the practices of card players, particularly those engaged in games of strategy and skill. In card games, concealing a favorable card up one’s sleeve was considered a deceptive but effective tactic. Over time, the expression expanded beyond card games to symbolize any hidden advantage or secret plan in various contexts.
10 Idiom Examples in Real-Life Conversations
1. “In negotiations, he always has a card up his sleeve, surprising everyone with a strategic move when least expected.”
2. “The team’s coach is known for keeping a card up his sleeve, implementing innovative plays during crucial moments in the game.”
3. “The entrepreneur had a card up her sleeve, revealing a game-changing partnership that propelled her business to new heights.”
4. “Facing tough questions during the interview, the candidate had a card up his sleeve—an impressive portfolio of successful projects.”
5. “In the world of politics, seasoned politicians often have a card up their sleeve, saving impactful announcements for the most strategic times.”
6. “The magician’s ability to entertain lies in always having a card up his sleeve, captivating the audience with unexpected tricks.”
7. “She managed to outbid her competitors by keeping a financial card up her sleeve, securing the deal for her company.”
8. “The chess grandmaster always plays with a card up his sleeve, making unpredictable moves that catch opponents off guard.”
9. “The CEO navigated the challenging market conditions with a strategic card up her sleeve—a diversification plan that proved successful.”
10. “In legal battles, a skilled lawyer often keeps a legal card up their sleeve, revealing a strong argument at a crucial juncture.”
10 Quotes Using the Idiom
1. “Success in business often requires having a card up your sleeve—a unique strategy that sets you apart in a competitive landscape.” – Unknown
2. “Life is a game, and sometimes, you need to have a card up your sleeve to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.” – Unknown
3. “In the journey of life, having a card up your sleeve is not about deception but about being prepared for unexpected turns on the road.” – Unknown
4. “Creativity is the artist’s card up the sleeve, unveiling masterpieces that leave an indelible mark on the canvas of the world.” – Unknown
5. “The key to successful leadership is knowing when to reveal the card up your sleeve—a strategic vision that inspires and motivates.” – Unknown
6. “Love may have a few surprises, but having a card up your sleeve in relationships is about genuine gestures that strengthen the bond.” – Unknown
7. “Facing challenges head-on is essential, but there’s wisdom in having a card up your sleeve—a well-thought-out plan for the unexpected.” – Unknown
8. “The storyteller’s magic lies in having a narrative card up their sleeve, captivating listeners with unexpected twists in the tale.” – Unknown
9. “In the game of strategy, having a card up your sleeve is not just an advantage; it’s a reflection of foresight and calculated moves.” – Unknown
10. “As you navigate the complexities of life, remember to keep a hopeful card up your sleeve—a belief in brighter days and opportunities yet to unfold.” – Unknown
Idioms Starting From Letter C
Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter C. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘C’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the C-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter C.
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