hole card: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. While its origin and literal meaning are from poker (specifically stud poker, where cards are sometimes dealt 'in the hole'), it is very commonly used as a metaphor for any hidden advantage or secret piece of information in business, politics, or general competition.

'Hole card' is the general term for any hidden card (or metaphorical secret). 'Ace in the hole' is a specific idiom meaning a particularly powerful or decisive hidden advantage. All aces in the hole are hole cards, but not all hole cards are aces in the hole.

Yes. In poker, a player often has multiple 'hole cards' (e.g., two in Texas Hold'em). Metaphorically, one can also have multiple 'hole cards', meaning several secret strategies or pieces of information.

It is neutral but somewhat specialised. It is perfectly acceptable in formal business or analytical writing when used metaphorically to describe strategy. Its informality comes from its gambling origins, but it is a standard lexical item.

In certain poker games, a card dealt face down that only the player can see.

Hole card: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊl ˌkɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊl ˌkɑːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.