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.
最後に切り札を出して勝った。
I played my trump card at the end and won.
Another common way to say 'play a trump card', using the verb 切る.
彼はここで切り札を切るべきだ。
He should play his trump card here.
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.
交渉でついに切り札を出した。
I finally played my trump card in the negotiation.
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.
彼の奥の手は誰も知らなかった。
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).
He played his trump card by announcing the new product.
Also used figuratively, though slightly less common than 出す in some contexts.
社長はここで切り札を切る決断をした。
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.
彼は奥の手を使って逆転した。
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.
それが我々の最後の切り札だ。
That is our last trump card.