up one's sleeve
English edit
Etymology edit
From the practice of magicians hiding tricks or gimmicks in the sleeve.
Pronunciation edit
Audio (AU) (file)
Prepositional phrase edit
- (idiomatic) Hidden and ready to be produced as needed; in reserve.
- I have tried everything I can think of, and I don't have anything more up my sleeve.
Usage notes edit
- In this sense, the phrase most commonly occurs after a nominal such as ace, trick, surprise, something, more, nothing, anything.