Down to the Wire
(Be uncertain) all the way to the last minute
直到最后一刻
- I think the election will go right down to the wire (= be won at the last moment).
Play the Ponies
Bet on horse racing
赌马
- I used to play the ponies every afternoon during the summer.
Ace in the Hole (also an ace up your sleeve)
A hidden advantage
秘密王牌；锦囊妙计
- Tom seems awfully confident. He must have an ace in the hole.
All the Marbles
The entire prize or reward
所有的奖赏或奖励
- Somehow Fred always seems to end up with all the marbles. I don't think he plays fair.
Break the Bank
Exhaust one’s financial resources
耗尽财力资源，花钱太多
- These are the diseases that break the bank. In some developing countries, treatment for diabetes alone consumes 15% of the entire national health budget.
Have an Ace Up One’s Sleeve (also have an ace in the Hole)
To have a hidden advantage
秘密王牌；锦囊妙计
- The manager has an ace up her sleeve. She'll surprise us with it later.
In the Cards
Likely; likely to occur
很可能发生
- "So you think they'll get married next year?" "I think it's in the cards."
Roll the Dice On
Take a risk
掷骰子（引申为孤注一掷）
- Maybe it's time to roll the dice on home prices--with a bet on a price decline.
Show Your Cards
Reveal your resources or plans
你摊牌吧（引申为吐露真实打算、公开计划）
- If you do have the sincerity to do business with us, please show me your cards and put them on the table.
