| 单词 | a card up one's sleeve |
| 释义 | > as lemmasa card up (or †in) one's sleeve P5. a card up (or †in) one's sleeve: a plan, idea, or advantage that is kept concealed, to be utilized if and when required. Cf. an ace up (or in) one's sleeve, to have up one's sleeve. [Originally with allusion to cheating in a game of cards.] ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare or get ready [verb (intransitive)] > be prepared or ready > for an emergency to have in or up one's sleeve?a1513 a card up (or in) one's sleeve1656 1656 J. Harrington Common-wealth of Oceana 154 As there be that can pack the Cards, and yet cannot play well; so there be some that are good in canvasses and factions, that are otherwise weak men. Allow me but these Orders, and let them come with their Cards in their sleeves, or pack if they can. 1868 H. L. Williams tr. A. Dumas Count of Moret xxxviii, in Kelley's Weekly 4 Apr. 295/4 I thought it was only the Cardinal who had cards up his sleeve! 1898 Tit-Bits 23 July 3289/3 I took the precaution of having what, I believe, you sporting men call a card up my sleeve. 1933 ‘G. Orwell’ Down & Out v. 38 I have got a few cards up my sleeve. There are people who owe me money, for instance. 1953 R. Lehmann Echoing Grove 206 It was only years later, in rooms with Jocelyn, that she guessed or suspected the possibility of another motive—the card up her sleeve she had always shut her eyes to guessing that she held. 2009 N.Z. Herald (Nexis) 8 Aug. Right now he has the industry wondering if he still has a card up his sleeve. < as lemmas |
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