Definition & Meaning of "Have the aces"

have (all) the aces

/hav hˈəʊld ˈɔːl ðɪ ˈeɪsɪz/

/hæv hˈoʊld ˈɔːl ðɪ ˈeɪsᵻz/

to have (all) the aces

PHRASE

to be in an advantageous position when competing against someone else

to [have|hold] (all|) the aces definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "have the aces" and when to use it?

The phrase likely dates back to the 19th century when gambling was a popular pastime, and people frequently used card-related expressions in everyday language. Over time, the phrase "have the aces" has been adopted in broader contexts to describe any situation where someone holds a position of power or advantage.