Definition

Noun: 1. (Poker) A playing card dealt face down to a player, remaining hidden from opponents until the final phase of betting (the showdown). 2. (Figurative) Any resource, piece of information, or advantage that is kept secret or concealed until it can be used to gain a decisive benefit.

Usage Examples

• Literal (Poker):
  • He carefully peeked at his hole card before deciding to raise the bet.
  • In Texas Hold'em, each player is dealt two private hole cards.
• Figurative:
  • The negotiator kept his final offer as a hole card until the very end of the discussion.
  • The company's new technology is their hole card in the competitive market.

Advanced Usage

• "to hold/have a hole card": To possess a secret advantage or undisclosed plan.
  • We suspect our competitors are holding a hole card, but we don't know what it is.
• "to reveal/show one's hole card": To finally disclose a secret strategy or resource.
  • The prosecutor revealed her hole card by calling a surprise witness to the stand.

Variants and Related Words

• Pocket card: A synonym used primarily in poker, especially in community card games like Texas Hold'em.
• Trump card: A related figurative term for a decisive, final advantage. While similar, a "trump card" is often the superior resource, whereas a "hole card" emphasizes the element of until played.

Synonyms

• (Figurative) Secret weapon, ace in the hole, hidden asset, undisclosed advantage, concealed resource.

Related Idioms

• "Ace in the hole": This idiom is very closely related and often used interchangeably with the figurative sense of "hole card." It specifically refers to a hidden advantage that ensures success.
  • His extensive industry contacts were his ace in the hole for the new business venture.

Noun

1. (poker) a playing card dealt face down and not revealed until the showdown
2. any assets that are concealed until they can be used advantageously