Is it suitable to use "trump card" in scientific papers?

Question

Suppose you improved an old method with a novel technique. Is it OK to say that it (your technique) is your trump card in paper? If not, what is your suggestion?

Answer 1

The expression "trump card" seems a bit too colloquial for a scientific paper--though you might get away with it. More importantly, the phrase is specific to something that seems different from what you are describing. In other words, I'm not sure it fits. Even if it does, what if your reader isn't entirely familiar with the phrase? These potential risks makes me think you would be better off using some different words. If the technique is the most significant contribution of your paper, I would just say that. Most likely, you'll want to make that point clear as early as possible in the paper.