ace in the hole
An ace given to a player face down so that other players in a card game cannot see it.
When the cowboy bet all his money in the poker game he did not know that the gambler had an ace in the hole and would win it from him.
Someone or something important that is kept as a surprise until the right time so as to bring victory or success.
Туз в рукаве; что-то важное, что хранится в секрете и предъявляется в нужный момент.
The football team has a new play that they are keeping as an ace in the hole for the big game.
The lawyer's ace in the hole was a secret witness who saw the accident.
The football team had an ace in the hole. It was their star goalkeeper who they were planning to use.
У футбольной команды был туз в рукаве. Это был их знаменитый вратарь, которого они планировали использовать.
in the hole
Having a score lower than zero in a game, especially a card game; to a score below zero.
John went three points in the hole on the first hand of the card game.
Behind an opponent; in difficulty in a sport or game.
We had their pitcher in the hole with the bases full and no one out.
In debt; behind financially.
John went in the hole with his hot dog stand.
It's a lot easier to get in the hole than to get out again.