trump card; secret weapon
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesnoun
trump card; secret weapon; ace in the hole; most effective means
Originally referred to a hidden sword thrown at an opponent in desperation (variant of 撒手锏). Now primarily used figuratively to describe one's strongest tactic or last resort. Also written as 撒手锏.
Zhè这
shì是
tā他
de的
shā杀
shǒu手
jiǎn锏
，
bù不
dào到
wàn万
bù不
dé得
yǐ已
bù不
huì会
shǐ使
yòng用
。
This is his trump card; he won't use it unless absolutely necessary.
Zài在
tán谈
pàn判
zhōng中
，
jià价
gé格
yōu优
shì势
shì是
wǒ我
men们
de的
shā杀
shǒu手
jiǎn锏
。
In negotiations, price advantage is our secret weapon.
Show 2 more examplesShow fewer examples
Tā他
shǐ使
chū出
le了
shā杀
shǒu手
jiǎn锏
，
yī一
jǔ举
jī击
bài败
le了
duì对
shǒu手
。
He played his trump card and defeated the opponent in one move.
Zhè这
bù部
diàn电
yǐng影
de的
shā杀
shǒu手
jiǎn锏
shì是
tè特
xiào效
hé和
jù剧
qíng情
。
The ace in the hole for this movie is the special effects and plot.