Ace in the hole

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Ace in the hole

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Ace in the hole

Meaning

Something that can supply a sure victory when revealed.

Origin

This originates from the game of poker, where a card dealt face down and kept hidden is called a hole card. The most propitious card being the ace.

The earliest printed citation we can find is from the Iowa newspaper The New Era, June 1886:

"Thus matters went on until four cards lay in front of each man, face up and one turned down. Not a pair in sight and everyone thought each man had an ace 'in the hole'."

ace in the hole The term was used as the title of a 1951 film, starring Kirk Douglas. The plot involved Douglas's character delaying a rescue in order to cash in on the notoriety of having exclusive reporting rights to the rescue attempt.