Card up sleeve

Meaning

The idiom "card up sleeve" refers to a secret plan or strategy that is hidden from others, often used to deceive or mislead someone. The phrase comes from the traditional sleight-of-hand trick of hiding a card up one's sleeve, which makes it difficult for others to see what you are doing.

Usage

• The magician pulled a rabbit out of his sleeve, but he had a card up his sleeve that no one saw coming.
• She always had a card up her sleeve when it came to negotiating deals.
• I was suspicious of his motives, but I couldn't find any evidence of a card up his sleeve.
• The politician had a card up his sleeve when he made that controversial statement.
• He claimed to be innocent, but there were rumors that he had a card up his sleeve.

Roots and History

The idiom "card up sleeve" dates back to the 17th century and comes from the world of magic and illusion. In the past, magicians would often use sleight-of-hand tricks to hide their methods and secrets from others. Over time, the phrase has evolved to refer to any secret plan or strategy that is concealed from others.

Synonyms in English

• undercover
• behind closed doors
• off the record
• under wraps
• behind the scenes

Synonyms in other languages

• Italian: dietro le quinte (behind the scenes)
• French: en sous-main (underhanded)
• Spanish: en secreto (secretly)
• German: im Geheimnis gehalten (kept secret)
• Arabic: فرق المعلومات (hidden information)

Similar Idioms

• under the radar

• camp follower

• cross paths