List of idioms with the word “Ace” and the meanings. Commonly used idioms related to “ace” and their meanings along with example sentences.
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Idioms With “Ace”
- “To ace something” – This means to do exceptionally well or get a perfect score. Example: “She aced her final exam and got straight A’s for the semester.”
- “An ace in the hole” – This means a hidden advantage or resource. Example: “Having a backup plan is like having an ace in the hole in case things don’t go as expected.”
- “To have an ace up your sleeve” – This means to have a secret advantage or strategy. Example: “He always has an ace up his sleeve and manages to win every game.”
- “Ace of spades” – This is a playing card that is considered the highest card in a deck, and also used to represent good luck. Example: “She always carried the ace of spades in her pocket for good luck.”
- “Ace it” – This means to succeed or pass with flying colors. Example: “With all the preparation, I’m sure you’ll ace it on your driving test.”
- “Aces high” – This means to have the highest or most valuable card in a deck. Example: “He raised the stakes and went all in with aces high.”
- “Ace out” – This means to win or succeed in a competition. Example: “She aced out her opponents and took the championship title.”
ace in the hole
a hidden but effective means of winning a conflict
1. The other team thinks they can win this basketball game, but that’s only because we haven’t put our best player in yet. He’s our ace in the hole.
2. It looked like the politician would lose the debate until he brought up his ace in the hole, an argument that nobody could refute.
The expression originates from some forms of the card gamepoker, in which players have both community cards and
private (“hole”) cards in their hands. To have an ace in one’s private hand means that one can win the game without others suspecting ahead of time.
ace up (one’s) sleeve
to have an effective but hidden means to accomplish something
1. It looks like Joanne is going to lose, but I wouldn’t be too sure. She may have an ace up her sleeve.
2. No matter how many times I think Paul might lose to me in a game of chess, he never does. He always has an ace up his sleeve and wins every game.
The expression originates from card games like poker, in which players might hide an extra ace up their sleeves to use in case they were losing the game and wanted to cheat.
ace someone out
to maneuver someone out; to win out over someone.
ace in(to something)
to be lucky in getting admitted to something. I aced into the history class at the last minute.
ace out
to be fortunate or lucky. Freddy aced out at the dentist’s office with only one cavity.
ace out (of something)
to get out of something through luck; to evade or avoid something narrowly. I just aced out of having to take the math test!
within an ace of something
very close to; on the brink of: She was within an ace of winning when her car broke down.
hold all the aces and hold all the cards
to be in a favorable position; to be in a controlling position. (Alludes to having possession of all four aces or all the high cards in a card game.)
within an ace of (doing) something and within a hair(‘s breadth) of something
very close to doing something.
come within an ace of something/doing something
to almost achieve something Linford Christie came within an ace of the world indoor record for the 100m last night.
play your ace
to do the thing that you know will bring you success
