trick up one’s sleeve: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘trick up one's sleeve’ mean?
The idiom "trick up one's sleeve" means to have a hidden plan or strategy that can be used to gain an advantage or surprise others.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "up to something" means that someone is involved in a secret or mischievous activity, often with a sense of suspicion or curiosity surrounding their actions.
The idiom "up to no good" means engaging in suspicious or dishonest activities.
The idiom "up the ante" means to increase the level of risk, effort, or demand in a situation, especially in a negotiation or a competitive activity.
The idiom "upper hand" refers to having an advantage or being in control of a situation. It implies having more power, influence, or authority over others.
The idiom "up one's sleeve" means to have a secret plan or strategy, usually hidden until the right moment.
The idiom "up front" means to be honest, transparent, or straightforward. It refers to someone who is open and clear about their intentions, actions, or expectations.
The idiom "unmask one's batteries" means to reveal or expose one's true intentions or plans, especially in a surprise or aggressive manner.
The idiom "under the rug" means to hide or ignore something, usually a problem or issue, rather than dealing with it directly or openly.
The idiom "under the radar" means to go unnoticed or undetected, especially in a way that avoids attention, scrutiny, or surveillance.
Sleeve's Hidden Surprise
The idiom "trick up one's sleeve" dates back to the late 18th century. It combines the word "trick," which refers to a cunning or deceitful strategy, with the phrase "up one's sleeve," which alludes to having a secret or hidden plan or resource that can be used to gain an advantage or achieve success in a situation.
This expression is often associated with stage magicians who are known for concealing objects, such as playing cards, in the sleeves of their garments as part of their tricks. The magician would have the object hidden up their sleeve and then retrieve it as a surprise element during their performance. This association with deception and hidden resources adds to the overall connotation of the idiom.
One interesting related idiom is "ace up one's sleeve." It is derived from the world of gambling, where players would often hide a favorable card, like an ace, up their sleeve to secretly introduce it into the game when needed. This provided them with an advantage over their opponents. Therefore, having an "ace up one's sleeve" means having a hidden advantage or a secret plan that can be used to gain an upper hand in a situation.
Another related idiom is "laugh up one's sleeve." This phrase is used to describe someone who is secretly amused or delighted about something, but doesn't express it openly. It suggests a sense of smug satisfaction or internalized amusement. For example, if someone hears a friend make a mistake and quietly laughs up their sleeve, it means they find the situation humorous but don't outwardly show it.
A similar idiom is "laugh in one's sleeve." It carries a similar meaning to "laugh up one's sleeve" and is used to describe someone secretly finding amusement in a situation without openly expressing it. Both idioms highlight the idea of internalized or suppressed laughter, conveying a sense of hidden amusement.
The versatility of the idiom "trick up one's sleeve" allows it to be applied to various situations. It can be used to describe individuals who have a backup plan or an alternative solution to a problem, allowing them to overcome obstacles or challenges more effectively. The idiom also emphasizes the element of surprise or the unexpected in a situation, highlighting the tactics or cunning involved. This makes it a valuable addition to the English language and a phrase frequently used by well-informed individuals.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom trick up one's sleeve can be used in a sentence:
- She always has a trick up her sleeve to win arguments.
- The magician performed an incredible trick up his sleeve that left the audience amazed.
- I'm feeling confident going into this negotiation because I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
More "Deception" idioms
