trump card

The term "trump card" originates from card games where it represents a card that can override others. It is also used metaphorically to describe an unexpected advantage.

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Definition

B2Card Games

(technical)A card from a suit that is chosen to have a higher value than the other suits, used to win a trick.

Example

  • He played his trump card and won the game.

B2General

(figurative)An advantage or resource used to gain a decisive edge in a situation.

Example

  • Her experience in negotiations was her trump card during the meeting.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "trump card":

hole cardlast trumptrump upno trumpsblack cardrace card