Trump card: meaning, definitions and examples

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trump card

 

[ trʌmp kɑːd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

playing games

A valuable resource that may be kept in reserve until needed, especially a surprise or secret weapon.

Synonyms

ace, secret weapon, wild card.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trump card

Repeated - refer to 'trump card' above.

ace

Use 'ace' to refer to someone who excels at something, or a very good card in card games. It can also signify someone who is extremely good or skillful in a particular area, often used informally.

  • He's an ace pilot with years of experience.
  • You really aced that test!
secret weapon

This phrase is best used when referring to something or someone that gives a significant advantage but is not widely known or recognized. It can be applied in both serious and lighthearted contexts.

  • His ability to stay calm under pressure is his secret weapon.
  • The new software could be our secret weapon in the market.
wild card

This term is used to describe something or someone unpredictable, often used in contexts involving sports, games, or situations where the outcome is uncertain. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation due to the unpredictability.

  • He's the wild card in the team; you never know what he's going to do.
  • The wild card entry ended up winning the tournament.

Examples of usage

  • He was saving his trump card for the final round of the tournament.
  • She played her trump card by revealing new evidence at the trial.
Context #2 | Noun

politics

A card in a suit that outranks all other cards when the suit is led.

Synonyms

trump.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trump card

This phrase is interchangeable with 'trump card' and is used similarly. There is no difference in meaning or context.

  • Her innovation was the trump card in the industry.
trump

This word can be used as a verb meaning to beat someone or something by a large margin, or to surpass. It often implies an unexpected or significant victory.

  • Their team trumped the competition with ease.
  • His latest project trumps all his previous work in terms of impact.

Examples of usage

  • He played his trump card when he announced his endorsement from a popular politician.

Translations

Translations of the word "trump card" in other languages:

🇵🇹 carta trunfo

🇮🇳 ट्रम्प कार्ड

🇩🇪 Trumpfkarte

🇮🇩 kartu truf

🇺🇦 козирна карта

🇵🇱 karta atutowa

🇯🇵 切り札 (きりふだ)

🇫🇷 carte maîtresse

🇪🇸 carta de triunfo

🇹🇷 koz kartı

🇰🇷 비장의 카드

🇸🇦 بطاقة رابحة

🇨🇿 trumfová karta

🇸🇰 trumfová karta

🇨🇳 王牌 (wángpái)

🇸🇮 adutna karta

🇮🇸 trumfkort

🇰🇿 козыр карта

🇬🇪 კოზირი

🇦🇿 kozır kartı

🇲🇽 carta de triunfo

Etymology

The term 'trump card' originated from the card game of whist in the 16th century, where a 'trump' was a playing card that outranked all others. The use of 'trump card' has since evolved to refer to any powerful or decisive resource that can be used to gain an advantage.