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The meaning and origin of the expression: Ace in the hole

Ace in the hole

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What's the meaning of the phrase 'Ace in the hole'?

Something that can supply a sure victory when revealed.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Ace in the hole'?

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 I 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 holeThe 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.

Gary Martin - the author of the phrases.org.uk website.

By Gary Martin

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

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