Phrase guide

up one's sleeve

prep_phrase · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

Hidden and ready to be produced as needed; in reserve.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I have tried everything I can think of, and I don't have anything more up my sleeve.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the practice of magicians hiding tricks or gimmicks in the sleeve.

Across languages

Translations

15 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 锦囊妙计 (jǐnnángmiàojì) — hidden, in reserve
  • Finnish: hihassa — hidden, in reserve
  • French: dans sa manche — hidden, in reserve
  • German: im Ärmel — hidden, in reserve
  • Icelandic: luma á — hidden, in reserve
  • Icelandic: eiga í pokahorninu — hidden, in reserve
  • Icelandic: lúra á — hidden, in reserve
  • Icelandic: hafa í bakhöndinni — hidden, in reserve
  • Italian: avere un asso nella manica — hidden, in reserve
  • Polish: w rękawie — hidden, in reserve
  • Polish: w zanadrzu — hidden, in reserve
  • Portuguese: na manga — hidden, in reserve
  • Russian: за па́зухой (za pázuxoj) — hidden, in reserve
  • Russian: исподтишка́ (ispodtišká) — hidden, in reserve
  • Spanish: debajo de la manga — hidden, in reserve