surprise mace attack; trump card; ace up one's sleeve
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
surprise move in old martial arts novels where one throws a jian (mace) at the enemy during combat
literaryRefers to a specific martial arts technique described in classical Chinese novels, particularly associated with historical figures like Qin Qiong.
He suddenly used the surprise mace attack, throwing the iron mace in his hand at the enemy general.
This surprise mace technique is a hereditary special skill of the Qin family generals.
noun
one's most powerful or effective tactic used at the critical moment; trump card; ace up one's sleeve
neutralAlso written as 杀手锏. Often used in the structure '使出撒手锏' (to play one's trump card).
At this critical moment, he played his trump card and finally won the match.
When negotiations reached an impasse, our side decided to bring out the trump card.
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This is his ace up his sleeve; he won't use it unless absolutely necessary.
Facing attacks from competitors, the company had no choice but to reveal its trump card.