Hold all the aces

Meaning

The idiom "hold all the aces" means to have complete control or dominance over a situation, person, or thing. It is often used to describe someone who has all the power and authority in a particular context. In other words, they have everything they need to win or achieve their goal.

Usage

• The CEO of the company holds all the aces and can make any decision he wants without consulting anyone else.
• She holds all the aces in this relationship and has the upper hand in every argument.
• In the poker game, the player who has all the aces is considered the favorite to win.
• The sports team that has all the aces is likely to win the championship this year.
• The politician who holds all the aces can get any legislation passed without facing much opposition.

Roots and History

The idiom "hold all the aces" dates back to the early 1900s and was first used in a card game called "ace high." In this game, players were dealt five cards each, and the player with the highest-ranking card (the ace) won the round. Over time, the phrase became associated with having everything one needed to win or succeed.

Synonyms in English

• Have all the power and authority
• Be in complete control
• Have a dominant position
• Hold the upper hand
• Have everything one needs to achieve a goal

Synonyms in other languages

• Havei la mano en el cielo (Spanish) - To have all the cards in your hand and be able to win at any game.
• Avere il suo destino nella mano (Italian) - To have one's fate in their own hands and control over events.
• 拿到了全部权限和授权 (Mandarin Chinese) - To obtain all power and authority and be able to make decisions without consulting anyone else.
• 차리기 가능한 팀이었음 (Korean) - The team that had all the cards they needed to win the game or achieve their goal.
• חיות בנים עדניה אלוהים (Hebrew) - Children who are chosen by God and have everything they need to succeed.

Similar Idioms

• Hakuna Matata

• ducks and drakes

• high up