ace

ace¹ [eıs] n

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1¦(playing card)¦

2¦(skilful person)¦

3¦(tennis shot)¦

4 hold the aces

5 within an ace of (doing) something

6 have an ace up your sleeve

7 ace in the hole

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[Date: 1300-1400; : Old French; Origin: as, from Latin, 'unit, a small coin']

1.) ¦(PLAYING CARD)¦

a playing card with a single spot on it, which usually has the highest value in a game

▪ the ace of hearts

▪ I've got a pair of aces.

2.) ¦(SKILFUL PERSON)¦

someone who is extremely skilful at doing something

▪ a soccer ace

▪ cycling ace Chris Boardman

3.) ¦(TENNIS SHOT)¦

a first shot in tennis or ↑volleyball which is hit so well that your opponent cannot reach the ball and you win the point

▪ She has already hit 13 aces in the match.

4.) hold the aces

to have the advantages in a situation so that you are sure to win

▪ The Americans hold most of the aces in this technology.

5.) within an ace of (doing) sth

very close to doing or achieving something

▪ The team came within an ace of winning the championship.

6.) have an ace up your sleeve

to have a secret advantage which could help you to win or be successful

7.) ace in the hole

AmE informal something that you keep secretly to use when you need it

▪ That fifty dollars is my ace in the hole.

ace ²

ace² adj

1.) ace pilot/player/skier etc

someone who is a very skilful pilot, player etc

▪ an ace marksman

2.) BrE spoken very good

▪ The party was ace.

ace ³

ace³ v [T]

1.) AmE informal to do very well in an examination, a piece of written work etc

▪ I think I aced the History test.

2.) to hit your first shot in tennis or ↑volleyball so well that your opponent cannot reach the ball