hole card

• 源自扑克的术语，指扣在桌上不公开的牌；引申为隐藏的优势、秘密资源或留作后手的底牌。

A hidden advantage or secret resource kept in reserve, originally from poker where a hole card is a card dealt face down to a player.

1. Hidden advantageC1informal

   A secret advantage or resource kept in reserve to be used when needed.

   隐藏优势

   • The negotiator kept his hole card until the final round of talks.
   • She played her hole card and revealed the evidence at the last moment.
   • The company's new patent was their hole card in the market competition.

2. Poker termB2formal

   In poker, a card that is dealt face down and only visible to the player holding it.

   底牌

   • He looked at his hole card and decided to raise the bet.
   • The player's hole card was an ace, giving him a strong hand.
   • Knowing your hole card is crucial in Texas Hold'em.