Korean Dictionary
How to say "Ace in the Hole" in Korean
“Ace in the Hole” in Korean is 숨겨둔 패 (pronounced "Sumgyeodun Pae").
숨겨둔 패
Sumgyeodun Pae
Usage & Context
An ace in the hole is a secret advantage kept in reserve until needed. In Korean strategy and competition, having a hidden advantage is considered smart planning.
Example Sentence
마지막에 꺼낼 숨겨둔 패가 있어요.
I have an ace in the hole to use at the last moment.
How to use 숨겨둔 패 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Ace in the Hole” is 숨겨둔 패, romanized as Sumgyeodun Pae.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 숨겨둔 패.
Pronunciation Guide
For '숨겨둔' (sum-gyeo-dun), 'sum' sounds like 'soom' (as in 'zoom'), 'gyeo' is a quick 'gyuh' sound, and 'dun' is like 'doon' (as in 'moon'). For '패' (pae), it sounds like the English word 'pay'. The stress is on 'sum' and 'pae'.
More Example Sentences
Describing a strategic move in a business negotiation.
그는 협상에서 숨겨둔 패를 마지막에 꺼냈다.
He pulled out his ace in the hole at the end of the negotiation.
Highlighting a secret advantage in a team project.
우리 팀의 숨겨둔 패는 바로 신입 멤버의 독특한 아이디어였어요.
Our team's ace in the hole was the new member's unique idea.
Advising someone on crisis preparedness.
위기 상황에 대비해 숨겨둔 패가 하나쯤은 있어야 한다.
You should have at least one ace in the hole in case of a crisis.
Cultural Context
The concept of a '숨겨둔 패' resonates well in Korean culture, which often values strategic thinking and having a backup plan or a secret weapon. In competitive environments, whether it's business, academics, or even K-pop idol survival shows, having an unexpected advantage can be a game-changer. It implies cleverness and foresight, often leading to a dramatic turnaround, a common trope in K-dramas where characters overcome obstacles with a hidden strategy.
Editorial note
We review entries like 숨겨둔 패 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
숨겨둔 패를 꺼내다
To pull out one's ace in the hole
숨겨둔 패가 있다
To have an ace in the hole
그것이 나의 숨겨둔 패야.
That's my ace in the hole.
Related Expressions
비장의 무기
Bijangui Mugi
Secret weapon
히든카드
Hideun Kadeu
Hidden card (Konglish)
결정적 한 방
Gyeoljeongjeok Han Bang
Decisive blow/shot
비밀 병기
Bimil Byeonggi
Secret weapon (another term)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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