Translation guide
To use one's most powerful resource or advantage at a crucial moment to gain victory or achieve a goal.
To play a trump card in a card game.
Standard phrase for playing a trump card in a card game.
To use one's ultimate advantage or secret weapon to turn the situation in one's favor.
The most direct and common figurative equivalent. Used in business, sports, debates, etc.
切り札 is a direct translation of 'trump card' and is widely understood in both literal and figurative senses. 奥の手 implies a secret, often personal technique or strategy that is not revealed until the critical moment. It carries a nuance of being a hidden ace up one's sleeve.
No one knew his trump card.
切り札 is often used with verbs like 出す (play), 使う (use), 残す (keep in reserve), and 隠す (hide). In business contexts, you might hear 最後の切り札 (last trump card) or 隠し玉 (hidden ace).
I played my trump card at the end and won.
Another common way to say 'play a trump card', using the verb 切る.
He should play his trump card here.
I finally played my trump card in the negotiation.
He played his trump card by announcing the new product.
Also used figuratively, though slightly less common than 出す in some contexts.
The president decided to play his trump card here.
Literally 'use one's hidden hand/technique'. Implies a secret, last-resort move. Often used in martial arts, games, or personal strategies.
He used his trump card and turned the tables.
Noun phrase meaning 'last trump card' or 'final resort'. Often used with verbs like 出す or 使う.
That is our last trump card.