Wiktionary
hold the cards
alt. (context idiomatic English) To be in a strong position, possessing significant advantages over someone else; to be in control of a situation involving multiple parties. vb. (context idiomatic English) To be in a strong position, possessing significant advantages over someone else; to be in control of a situation involving multiple parties.
Usage examples of "hold the cards".
Jake laid a hand over hers before she could press to hold the cards.
You hold the cards like this for a bottom deal, and you keep the top card out a bit over the edge of the pack, drawing it back as you take off the bottom card.
He talked a lot, but it was the other one the Greek man George had not injured who seemed to hold the cards.