A trump card
Meaning
A trump card is a powerful asset or advantage that can be used to achieve success, especially in a challenging or competitive situation.
Origin
The term 'trump' in card games emerged from the Old French word 'triumphe' and the Latin 'triumphus,' signifying a great victory. By the 16th century, English card games like ruff and whist formalized the concept of a 'trump' suit—a designated set of cards that held superior power over all others, capable of 'triumphing' over any card from a different suit. This game-changing advantage, a single card that could turn the tide of a hand, quickly transcended the card table, becoming a vivid metaphor for any decisive resource or unexpected advantage that ensures success in a critical moment.
Examples
- The startup's innovative patent proved to be their trump card in securing the crucial investment.
- She always kept her negotiation notes as a trump card, ready to reveal them if the discussion went south.