I’ve got some tricks under my sleeve

A contestant on the show MasterChef was talking about making a comeback after having failed in the previous round. This is a subtle mashup of “tricks up (one’s) sleeve” (a secret plan, idea, or advantage) and “under (one’s) belt” (in one’s scope of experience). “Under my hat” (secret) might also be in the mix, considering that a magician likes to produce the trick where a rabbit comes out of a hat. Kudos to Anthony Kovacs for hearing this one!


2 Comments on “I’ve got some tricks under my sleeve”

  1. Beth Luey's avatar Beth Luey says:

    Perhaps also “under one’s hat,” like a magician?


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