Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense tricks, present participle tricking, past tense, past participle tricked
1. countable noun
A trick is an action that is intended to deceive someone.
We are playing a trick on a man who keeps bothering me.
Synonyms: joke, put-on [slang], gag [informal], stunt More Synonyms of trick
2. verb
If someone tricks you, they deceive you, often in order to make you do something.
Stephen is going to be pretty upset when he finds out how you tricked him. [VERB noun]
She was said to have tricked him into going to a warehouse at night in the hope ofsecuring a lucrative deal. [VERB noun + into]
His real purpose is to trick his way into your home to see what he can steal. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
Synonyms: deceive, trap, have someone on, take someone in [informal] More Synonyms of trick
3. countable noun
A trick is a clever or skilful action that someone does in order to entertain people.
He shows me card tricks.
Synonyms: sleight of hand, device, feat, stunt More Synonyms of trick
4. countable noun
A trick is a clever way of doing something.
Tiffany revamped her sitting room with simple decorative tricks.
It is not just a little trick you can pick up in half an hour.
5. See also confidence trick, conjuring trick, hat-trick
6.
See do the trick
7.
See every trick in the book
8.
See a trick of the light
9.
See sb doesn't miss a trick
10.
See tricks of the trade
11.
See up to one's tricks
12. you can't teach an old dog new tricks
More Synonyms of trick
trick in British English
(trɪk)
noun
1.
a deceitful, cunning, or underhand action or plan
2.
a.
a mischievous, malicious, or humorous action or plan; joke
the boys are up to their tricks again
b.
(as modifier)
a trick spider
3.
an illusory or magical feat or device
4.
a simple feat learned by an animal or person
5.
an adroit or ingenious device; knack
a trick of the trade
6.
a behavioural trait, habit, or mannerism
7.
a turn or round of duty or work
8. cards
a.
a batch of cards containing one from each player, usually played in turn and won by the player or side that plays the card with the highest value
b.
a card that can potentially win a trick
9. can't take a trick
10. do the trick
11. how's tricks?
12. turn a trick
verb
13.
to defraud, deceive, or cheat (someone), esp by means of a trick
Derived forms
tricker (ˈtricker)
noun
trickless (ˈtrickless)
adjective
Word origin
C15: from Old Northern French trique, from trikier to deceive, from Old French trichier, ultimately from Latin trīcārī to play tricks
trick in American English
(trɪk)
noun
1.
an action or device designed to deceive, cheat, outwit, etc.; artifice; dodge; ruse; stratagem
2.
a.
a mischievous or playful act; prank, practical joke, etc.
b.
a deception or illusion
the light played a trick on my eyes
3.
a freakish, foolish, mean, or stupid act
4.
a clever or difficult act intended to amuse
; specif.,
a.
an act of jugglery or sleight of hand; also, an illusion of the kind created by legerdemain
b.
an action, feat, or routine performed by an animal as a result of training
5.
any feat requiring skill
6.
the art or knack of doing something easily, skillfully, quickly, etc.
the trick of making good pastry
7.
an expedient or convention of an art, craft, or trade
to learn the tricks of the trade
8.
a personal habit or mannerism
a trick of tugging at the ear
9.
a turn or round of duty or work; shift
10. US, Informal
a child or girl, esp. one viewed as cute or pretty
11. Slang
a.
the act or an instance of performing sexual intercourse as a prostitute with a customer
b.
such a customer
12. Cards
the cards played and won in a single round
verb transitive
13.
to deceive or swindle
adjective
14.
having to do with or used for a trick or tricks
15.
that tricks
16.
apt to malfunction; of uncertain reliability
a trick knee
SIMILAR WORDS: cheat
Idioms:
do the trick
not miss a trick
trick out
turn a trick
SYNONYMY NOTE: trick is the common word for an action or device in which ingenuity and cunning are usedto outwit others and implies deception either for fraudulent purposes or as a prank;, ruse applies to that which is contrived as a blind for one's real intentions or for thetruth [her apparent illness was merely a ruse]; a stratagem is a more or less complicated ruse, by means of which one attempts to outwit or entrapan enemy or antagonist [military stratagems]; maneuver, specifically applicable to military tactics, in general use suggests the shrewdmanipulation of persons or situations to suit one's purposes [a political maneuver]; artifice stresses inventiveness or ingenuity in the contrivance of an expedient, trick, etc.[artifices employed to circumvent the tax laws]; wile implies the use of allurements or beguilement to ensnare [womanly wiles]
Derived forms
tricker (ˈtricker)
noun
Word origin
ME trik < NormFr trique < trikier < OFr trichier, to trick, cheat, prob. < VL *triccare, altered < ? LL tricare, to deceive, for L tricari, to make trouble < tricae, vexations, tricks < IE *treik- < base *ter-, to turn, rub > throw
More idioms containing
trick
do the trick
it's the oldest trick in the book
not miss a trick
use every trick in the book
COBUILD Collocations
trick
cheap trick
cruel trick
neat trick
usual trick
Examples of 'trick' in a sentence
trick
But surely that was just a trick of the light?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The trick is to make more but smaller rooms within the same minuscule space.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Other potential problems include criminals finding ways to trick the technology.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Finally, a trick of the light that promises to banish the blues.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Before we get stuck in, let me share my tricks of the trade.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
One thing is for sure - the opponents cannot cash an ace at trick one.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Eden Hazard is getting to come inside and work his little tricks and angles in that deadly space behind the striker.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
And he does card tricks.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
And the switches did the trick as it turned a game in Palace's favour.
The Sun (2017)
We are not going to be tricked or deceived any more.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
There are little tricks too that look more impressive than they are.
Bain, Roly Fools Rush In - A Call to Christian Clowning (1993)
But repeating the trick is often the hardest part.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Being an accessory to murder might just do the trick.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
We need somebody who is willing to listen and learn the tricks of the trade.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The trick is to turn those dreams into reality.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We docs know your little tricks and cunning ways.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Suppose instead that he plays low at trick one.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
As declarer try to make nine tricks.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
He taught us a card trick and looked impressed when we pulled it off.
The Sun (2014)
And he tricked a man into inviting him to a party where his grandchildren were present.
The Sun (2010)
The premise of the show was to trick and deceive people.
The Sun (2006)
The valet learns all the little tricks necessary to keep the royals happy.
Brian Hoey AT HOME WITH THE QUEEN: The Inside Story of the Royal Household (2002)
The trick to a light and fluffy muffin is to not stir the batter too much.
The Sun (2013)
Climbing plants soften and disguise the boundaries and often trick the eye into making the garden feel bigger.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Still, there are tricks for cheating their system.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
I decide this is a good time to use our family trick of finding out names we should know.
Christianity Today (2000)
It's a real dilemma but please don't think of cheating or tricking your partner.
The Sun (2014)
So much so that when he tried out a few of his character's screen tricks on his family, they put him firmly in his place.
The Sun (2011)
Quotations
I know a trick worth two of thatWilliam ShakespeareHenry IV, part I
Word lists with
trick
terms used in bridge
In other languages
trick
British English: trick /trɪk/ NOUN
A trick is an action that is intended to deceive someone.
We are playing a trick on a man who keeps bothering me.
American English: trick
Arabic: خُدْعَة
Brazilian Portuguese: truque
Chinese: 诡计
Croatian: trik
Czech: lest
Danish: bedrag
Dutch: truc
European Spanish: ardid
Finnish: temppu
French: tour magie
German: Trick
Greek: τέχνασμα
Italian: scherzo
Japanese: 策略
Korean: 속임수
Norwegian: triks
Polish: podstęp
European Portuguese: truque
Romanian: înșelare
Russian: обман
Latin American Spanish: ardid
Swedish: trick
Thai: เล่ห์เหลี่ยม
Turkish: dolap hile
Ukrainian: хитрість
Vietnamese: trò bịp bợm
British English: trick /trɪk/ VERB
If someone tricks you, they deceive you, often in order to make you do something.
He is going to be pretty upset when he finds out how you tricked him.
American English: trick
Arabic: يَخْدَعُ
Brazilian Portuguese: enganar
Chinese: 耍花招
Croatian: prevariti
Czech: obelstít
Danish: snyde
Dutch: bedriegen
European Spanish: engañar
Finnish: huijata
French: tromper
German: überlisten
Greek: ξεγελώ
Italian: imbrogliare
Japanese: だます
Korean: 속이다
Norwegian: lure
Polish: oszukać
European Portuguese: enganar
Romanian: a înșela
Russian: обманывать
Latin American Spanish: engañar
Swedish: lura
Thai: ใช้เล่ห์เหลี่ยม
Turkish: kandırmak
Ukrainian: одурювати
Vietnamese: lừa gạt
All related terms of 'trick'
con trick
a swindle involving money, goods, etc, in which the victim's trust is won by the swindler
hat-trick
A hat-trick is a series of three achievements, especially in a sports event, for example three goals scored by the same person in a football game.
trick out
to dress up; deck out
card trick
an illusory feat performed with playing cards
cheap trick
A trick is a clever way of doing something.
cruel trick
A trick is an action that is intended to deceive someone.
dirty trick
You describe the actions of an organization or political group as dirty tricks when you think they are using illegal methods to harm the reputation or effectiveness of their rivals .
neat trick
A trick is a clever way of doing something.
party trick
informal → another name for party piece
quick trick
a high card almost certain to win a trick , usually an ace or a king: the unit in one of the systems of hand valuation
rope trick
→ Indian rope trick
trick rider
a person who performs tricks on horseback
usual trick
A trick is a clever way of doing something.
trick cyclist
a psychiatrist
trick riding
the performance of tricks on horseback
conjuring trick
A conjuring trick is a trick in which something is made to appear or disappear as if by magic .
do the trick
If something does the trick , it achieves what you wanted .
trick question
If someone asks you a trick question , they ask you a question which is very difficult to answer, for example because there is a hidden difficulty or because the answer that seems obvious is not the correct one.
turn a trick
(of a prostitute ) to gain a customer
vanishing trick
a vanishing act is when someone is impossible to contact , or disappears from public view
confidence trick
A confidence trick is a trick in which someone deceives you by telling you something that is not true , often to trick you out of money.
one-trick pony
a person or thing considered as being limited to only one single talent , capability , quality, etc
trick or treat
Trick or treat is an activity in which children knock on the doors of houses at Halloween and shout 'trick or treat'. If the person who answers the door does not give the children a treat, such as sweets or candy , they play a trick on him or her.
trick photograph
a photograph that creates an illusion
trick photography
photography that creates an illusion
Indian rope-trick
the supposed Indian feat of climbing an unsupported rope
not miss a trick
to always know what is happening and take advantage of every situation
three-card trick
a game in which players bet on which of three inverted playing cards is the queen
trick-or-treater
a person, typically a child, who goes from door to door in costume on Halloween asking for candy or other treats
can't take a trick
to be consistently unsuccessful or unlucky
lobster shift
the night shift of a newspaper staff , or now of any working force
a trick of the light
If you say that something is a trick of the light , you mean that what you are seeing is an effect caused by the way that the light falls on things, and does not really exist in the way that it appears .
every trick in the book
If someone tries every trick in the book , they try every possible thing that they can think of in order to achieve something.
catch question
if someone asks you a trick question, they ask you a question which is very difficult to answer , for example because there is a hidden difficulty or because the answer that seems obvious is not the correct one
use every trick in the book
to do everything you can think of in order to succeed in something
it's the oldest trick in the book
said to mean that people should have expected something dishonest or unfair that someone has done because it is a very common or obvious thing to do
sb doesn't miss a trick not to miss a trick
If you say that someone does not miss a trick , you mean that they always know what is happening and take advantage of every situation.
Chinese translation of 'trick'
trick
(trɪk)
n(c)
(by conjuror) 戏(戲)法 (xìfǎ) (个(個), gè)
(= deception) 伎俩(倆) (jìliǎng) (个(個), gè)
(= skill, knack) 诀(訣)窍(竅) (juéqiào)
(Cards) 一圈牌 (yī quān pái)
vt
(= deceive) 耍花招 (shuǎ huāzhāo)
to play a trick on sb对(對)某人耍花招 (duì mǒurén shuǎ huāzhāo)
a trick of the light光引起的幻觉(覺) (guāng yǐnqǐ de huànjué)
that should do the trick (inf) 这(這)应(應)该(該)奏效 (zhè yīnggāi zòuxiào)
to trick sb into doing sth用计(計)诱(誘)使某人做某事 (yòng jì yòushǐ mǒurén zuò mǒushì)
All related terms of 'trick'
dirty trick
卑鄙伎俩(倆) bēibǐ jìliǎng
a trick of the light
光引起的幻觉(覺) guāng yǐnqǐ de huànjué
that should do the trick
( inf ) 这(這)应(應)该(該)奏效 zhè yīnggāi zòuxiào
to play a trick on sb
对(對)某人耍花招 duì mǒurén shuǎ huāzhāo
to trick sb into doing sth
用计(計)诱(誘)使某人做某事 yòng jì yòushǐ mǒurén zuò mǒushì
1 (noun)
Definition
a joke or prank
We are playing a trick on a man who keeps bothering me.
Synonyms
joke
I thought she was playing a joke on me at first but she wasn't.
put-on (slang)
gag (informal)
He made a gag about bald men.
stunt
spoof (informal)
caper
Jack would have nothing to do with such childish capers.
prank
a stupid schoolboy prank
frolic
practical joke
They played a silly practical joke on her.
antic
jape
leg-pull (British, informal)
cantrip (Scottish)
2 (noun)
Definition
a deceitful or cunning action or plan
That was a really mean trick.
Synonyms
deception
You've been the victim of a rather cruel deception.
trap
He was trying to decide whether the question was a trap.
fraud
He never wrote the letter; it was a fraud.
con (slang)
I am afraid you have been the victim of a con.
sting (informal)
manoeuvre
manoeuvres to block the electoral process
dodge
It was probably just a dodge to stop you going away.
ploy
a cynical marketing ploy
scam (slang)
imposition
gimmick
It's just a public relations gimmick.
device
hoax
His claim to have a bomb was a hoax.
deceit
The suspect was found guilty of theft, fraud and deceit on an incredible scale.
swindle
He fled to Switzerland rather than face trial for a tax swindle.
ruse
This was a ruse to divide them.
artifice
the artifice and illusion of sleight-of-hand card tricks
subterfuge
Most people can see right through that type of subterfuge.
canard
feint
a tiny feint or lunge to one side
stratagem
a competitive stratagem to secure customer loyalty
wile
imposture
fastie (Australian, slang)
3 (noun)
Definition
an illusory or magical feat or device
He shows me card tricks.
Synonyms
sleight of hand
device
His actions are obviously a device to buy time.
feat
stunt
a bold promotional stunt
juggle
legerdemain
the kind of legerdemain you'd expect from a magician
4 (noun)
Definition
a clever way of doing something, learned from experience
She showed me all the tricks of the trade.
Synonyms
secret
skill
The cut of a diamond depends on the skill of its craftsman.
device
knack
He's got the knack of getting people to listen.
art
the art of romance
hang (informal)
technique
He went abroad to improve his tennis technique.
know-how (informal)
He hasn't got the know-how to run a farm.
gift
command
craft
Lilyanne learned her craft of cooking from her grandmother.
expertise
the lack of management expertise within the company
5 (noun)
Definition
a deceptive illusion
It appears to be on fire, but it's just a trick of the light.
Synonyms
illusion
The rapid changes of lighting created an illusion of movement.
deception
mirage
Through my half-closed eyelids I began to see mirages.
optical illusion
6 (noun)
Definition
a habit or mannerism
all her little tricks and funny voices
Synonyms
mannerism
Her mannerisms are those of a preoccupied academic.
habit
He has an endearing habit of licking his lips.
characteristic
Genes determine the characteristics of every living thing.
trait
Creativity is a human trait.
quirk
the quirks and foibles of people in everyday situations
peculiarity
He had many little peculiarities.
foible
human foibles and weaknesses
idiosyncrasy
One of his idiosyncrasies was to wear orange gloves.
practice
crotchet
(verb)
Definition
to defraud, deceive, or cheat (someone)
He'll be upset when he finds out how you tricked him.
Synonyms
deceive
He has deceived and disillusioned us all.
trap
Were you trying to trap her into making an admission?
have someone on
I thought he was just having me on.
take someone in (informal)
He was a real charmer who totally took me in.
fool
Art dealers fool a lot of people.
cheat
He cheated people out of their life savings.
con (informal)
He claimed that the businessman had conned him out of his life savings.
kid (informal)
Are you sure you're not kidding me?
I'm just kidding.
stiff (slang)
sting (informal)
mislead
Ministers knowingly misled the public.
hoax
He recently hoaxed a number of celebrities.
defraud
He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the government.
dupe
Some of the offenders duped the psychologists.
gull (archaic)
Consumers are no longer so easily gulled into paying extra for a designer label.
delude
We delude ourselves that we are in control.
swindle
He swindled investors out of millions of pounds.
impose upon
bamboozle (informal)
He was bamboozled by conmen.
hoodwink
Many people are hoodwinked by the so-called beauty industry.
put one over on (informal)
pull the wool over someone's eyes
a phony psychic who pulled the wool over everyone's eyes
pull a fast one on (informal)
scam (slang)
idiom
See do the trick
phrasal verb
See trick something or someone out or up
Quotation
I know a trick worth two of that [William Shakespeare – Henry IV, part I]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of art
Definition
skill
the art of romance
Synonyms
skill,
knowledge,
method,
facility,
craft,
profession,
expertise,
competence,
accomplishment,
mastery,
knack,
ingenuity,
finesse,
aptitude,
artistry,
artifice (archaic),
virtuosity,
dexterity,
cleverness,
adroitness
in the sense of artifice
Definition
a clever trick
the artifice and illusion of sleight-of-hand card tricks
Synonyms
cunning,
scheming,
trick,
device,
craft,
tactic,
manoeuvre,
deception,
hoax,
expedient,
ruse,
guile,
trickery,
duplicity,
subterfuge,
stratagem,
contrivance,
chicanery,
wile,
craftiness,
artfulness,
slyness,
machination,
dodge
in the sense of bamboozle
Definition
to cheat
He was bamboozled by conmen.
Synonyms
cheat,
do (informal),
kid (informal),
skin (slang),
trick,
fool,
take in (informal),
con (informal),
stiff,
sting (informal),
mislead,
rip off (slang),
thwart,
deceive,
fleece,
hoax,
defraud,
dupe,
beguile,
gull (archaic),
delude,
swindle,
stitch up (slang),
victimize,
hoodwink,
double-cross (informal),
diddle (informal),
take for a ride (informal),
do the dirty on (British, informal),
bilk,
pull a fast one on (informal),
cozen
Synonyms of 'trick'
trick
Explore 'trick' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of caper
Definition
a high-spirited escapade
Jack would have nothing to do with such childish capers.
Synonyms
escapade,
sport,
stunt,
mischief,
lark (informal),
prank,
jest,
dido (informal),
practical joke,
high jinks,
antic,
jape,
shenanigan (informal)
in the sense of characteristic
Definition
a distinguishing feature or quality
Genes determine the characteristics of every living thing.
Synonyms
feature,
mark,
quality,
property,
attribute,
faculty,
trait,
quirk,
peculiarity,
idiosyncrasy
in the sense of cheat
Definition
to defraud
He cheated people out of their life savings.
Synonyms
deceive,
skin (slang),
trick,
fool,
take in (informal),
con (informal),
stiff (slang),
sting (informal),
mislead,
rip off (slang),
fleece,
hoax,
defraud,
dupe,
beguile,
gull (archaic),
do (informal),
swindle,
stitch up (slang),
victimize,
bamboozle (informal),
hoodwink,
double-cross (informal),
diddle (informal),
take for a ride (informal),
bilk,
pull a fast one on (informal),
screw (informal),
finagle (informal),
cozen,
scam (slang)
in the sense of con
I am afraid you have been the victim of a con.
Synonyms
swindle,
trick,
fraud,
deception,
scam (slang),
sting (informal),
bluff,
canard,
fastie (Australian, slang)
in the sense of con
Definition
to swindle or defraud
He claimed that the businessman had conned him out of his life savings.
Synonyms
swindle,
trick,
cheat,
rip off (slang),
sting (informal),
kid (informal),
skin (slang),
stiff (slang),
mislead,
deceive,
hoax,
defraud,
dupe,
gull (archaic),
rook (slang),
humbug,
bamboozle (informal),
hoodwink,
double-cross (informal),
diddle (informal),
take for a ride (informal),
inveigle,
do the dirty on (British, informal),
bilk,
sell a pup,
pull a fast one on (informal),
cozen,
scam (slang)
in the sense of craft
Definition
skill or ability
Lilyanne learned her craft of cooking from her grandmother.
Synonyms
skill,
art,
ability,
technique,
know-how (informal),
expertise,
knack,
aptitude,
artistry,
dexterity,
workmanship,
expertness
in the sense of deceit
Definition
behaviour intended to deceive
The suspect was found guilty of theft, fraud and deceit on an incredible scale.
Synonyms
lying,
fraud,
cheating,
deception,
hypocrisy,
cunning,
pretence,
treachery,
dishonesty,
guile,
artifice,
trickery,
misrepresentation,
duplicity,
subterfuge,
feint,
double-dealing,
chicanery,
wile,
dissimulation,
craftiness,
imposture,
fraudulence,
slyness,
deceitfulness,
underhandedness
in the sense of defraud
Definition
to cheat out of money, property, or a right to do something
He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the government.
Synonyms
cheat,
rob,
con (informal),
do (slang),
skin (slang),
stiff (slang),
sting (informal),
rip off (slang),
fleece,
swindle,
stitch up (slang),
rook (slang, old-fashioned),
diddle (informal, old-fashioned),
bilk (old-fashioned),
gyp (slang, old-fashioned),
pull a fast one on (informal),
cozen (old-fashioned),
scam (slang)
in the sense of delude
Definition
to make someone believe something that is not true
We delude ourselves that we are in control.
Synonyms
deceive,
kid (informal),
fool,
trick,
take in (informal),
cheat,
con (informal),
mislead,
impose on,
hoax,
dupe,
beguile,
gull (archaic),
bamboozle (informal),
hoodwink,
take for a ride (informal),
pull the wool over someone's eyes,
lead up the garden path (informal),
cozen,
misguide,
scam (slang)
in the sense of device
Definition
a scheme or plan
His actions are obviously a device to buy time.
Synonyms
ploy,
scheme,
strategy,
plan,
design,
project,
shift,
trick,
manoeuvre,
stunt,
dodge,
expedient,
ruse,
artifice,
gambit,
stratagem,
wile
Additional synonyms
in the sense of dodge
Definition
a cunning and deceitful trick
It was probably just a dodge to stop you going away.
Synonyms
trick,
scheme,
ploy,
trap,
device,
fraud,
con (slang),
manoeuvre,
deception,
scam (slang),
gimmick,
hoax,
wheeze (British, slang),
deceit,
ruse,
artifice,
subterfuge,
canard,
feint,
stratagem,
contrivance,
machination,
fastie (Australian, slang)
in the sense of dupe
Definition
to deceive or cheat
Some of the offenders duped the psychologists.
Synonyms
deceive,
trick,
cheat,
con (informal),
kid (informal),
sting (informal),
rip off (slang),
hoax,
defraud,
beguile,
gull (archaic),
delude,
swindle,
outwit,
bamboozle (informal),
hoodwink,
take for a ride (informal),
pull a fast one on (informal),
cozen,
scam (slang)
in the sense of expertise
Definition
special skill, knowledge, or judgment
the lack of management expertise within the company
Synonyms
skill,
knowledge,
know-how (informal),
facility,
grip,
craft,
judgment,
grasp,
mastery,
knack,
proficiency,
dexterity,
cleverness,
deftness,
adroitness,
aptness,
expertness,
knowing inside out,
ableness,
masterliness,
skilfulness
in the sense of feint
Definition
a misleading movement designed to distract an opponent, such as in boxing or fencing
a tiny feint or lunge to one side
Synonyms
bluff,
manoeuvre,
dodge,
mock attack,
play,
blind,
distraction,
pretence,
expedient,
ruse,
artifice,
gambit,
subterfuge,
stratagem,
wile
in the sense of foible
Definition
a slight peculiarity or minor weakness
human foibles and weaknesses
Synonyms
idiosyncrasy,
failing,
fault,
weakness,
defect,
quirk,
imperfection,
peculiarity,
weak point,
infirmity
in the sense of fool
Definition
to deceive (someone), esp. in order to make them look ridiculous
Art dealers fool a lot of people.
Synonyms
deceive,
cheat,
mislead,
delude,
kid (informal),
trick,
take in,
con (informal),
stiff (slang),
have (someone) on,
bluff,
hoax,
dupe,
beguile,
gull (archaic),
swindle,
make a fool of,
bamboozle,
hoodwink,
take for a ride (informal),
put one over on (informal),
play a trick on,
pull a fast one on (informal),
scam (slang)
in the sense of fraud
Definition
an act of such deception
He never wrote the letter; it was a fraud.
Synonyms
hoax,
trick,
cheat,
con (informal),
deception,
sham,
spoof (informal),
prank,
swindle,
ruse,
practical joke,
joke,
fast one (informal),
imposture,
fastie (Australian, slang)
in the sense of frolic
Definition
a light-hearted occasion
Synonyms
revel,
game,
blast (US, slang),
romp,
spree,
lark,
prank,
escapade,
gambol,
antic,
gambado
in the sense of gag
Definition
a joke, usually one told by a professional comedian
He made a gag about bald men.
Synonyms
joke,
crack (slang),
funny (informal),
quip,
pun,
jest,
wisecrack (informal),
sally,
witticism
in the sense of gimmick
Definition
something designed to attract attention or publicity
It's just a public relations gimmick.
Synonyms
stunt,
trick,
device,
scheme,
manoeuvre,
dodge,
ploy,
gambit,
stratagem,
contrivance
Additional synonyms
in the sense of gull
Consumers are no longer so easily gulled into paying extra for a designer label.
Synonyms
deceive,
trick,
cheat,
con (slang),
skin (slang),
take in (informal),
stiff (slang),
sting (informal),
hoax,
defraud,
dupe,
beguile,
swindle,
rook (slang),
take for a ride (informal),
put one over on (informal),
pull a fast one on (informal),
cozen,
sell a pup to
in the sense of habit
Definition
a tendency to act in a particular way
He has an endearing habit of licking his lips.
Synonyms
mannerism,
custom,
way,
practice,
manner,
characteristic,
tendency,
quirk,
propensity,
foible,
proclivity (formal)
in the sense of have someone on
Definition
to trick or tease
I thought he was just having me on.
Synonyms
tease,
kid (informal),
wind up (British, slang),
trick,
deceive,
take the mickey,
pull someone's leg,
play a joke on,
jerk or yank someone's chain (informal)
in the sense of hoax
Definition
a deception, esp. a practical joke
His claim to have a bomb was a hoax.
Synonyms
trick,
joke,
fraud,
con (informal),
deception,
spoof (informal),
prank,
swindle,
ruse,
practical joke,
canard,
fast one (informal),
imposture,
fastie (Australian, slang)
in the sense of hoax
Definition
to deceive or play a joke on (someone)
He recently hoaxed a number of celebrities.
Synonyms
deceive,
trick,
fool,
take in (informal),
con (slang),
wind up (British, slang),
kid (informal),
bluff,
dupe,
gull (archaic),
delude,
swindle,
bamboozle (informal),
gammon (British, informal),
hoodwink,
take (someone) for a ride (informal),
prank,
befool,
hornswoggle (slang),
scam (slang)
in the sense of hoodwink
Definition
to trick or deceive
Many people are hoodwinked by the so-called beauty industry.
Synonyms
deceive,
trick,
fool,
cheat,
con (informal),
kid (informal),
mislead,
hoax,
dupe,
gull (archaic),
delude,
swindle,
rook (slang),
bamboozle (informal),
take (someone) for a ride (informal),
lead up the garden path (informal),
sell a pup,
pull a fast one on (informal),
cozen,
befool,
scam (slang)
in the sense of idiosyncrasy
Definition
a personal peculiarity of mind, habit, or behaviour
One of his idiosyncrasies was to wear orange gloves.
Synonyms
peculiarity,
habit,
characteristic,
foible,
quirk,
eccentricity,
oddity,
mannerism,
affectation,
trick,
singularity,
personal trait
in the sense of kid
Definition
to tease or deceive (someone) for fun
Are you sure you're not kidding me?I'm just kidding.
Synonyms
tease,
joke,
trick,
fool,
pretend,
mock,
rag (British),
wind up (British, slang),
ridicule,
hoax,
beguile,
gull (archaic),
delude,
jest,
bamboozle,
hoodwink,
cozen (literary),
jerk or yank someone's chain (informal)
in the sense of knack
Definition
an ability to do something difficult with apparent ease
He's got the knack of getting people to listen.
Synonyms
skill,
art,
ability,
facility,
talent,
gift,
capacity,
trick,
bent,
craft,
genius,
expertise,
forte,
flair,
competence,
ingenuity,
propensity,
aptitude,
dexterity,
cleverness,
quickness,
adroitness,
expertness,
handiness,
skilfulness
in the sense of know-how
Definition
the ability to do something that is difficult or technical
He hasn't got the know-how to run a farm.
Synonyms
expertise,
experience,
ability,
skill,
knowledge,
facility,
talent,
command,
craft,
grasp,
faculty,
capability,
flair,
knack,
ingenuity,
aptitude,
proficiency,
dexterity,
cleverness,
deftness,
savoir-faire,
adroitness,
ableness
Additional synonyms
in the sense of legerdemain
Definition
the kind of legerdemain you'd expect from a magician
Synonyms
sleight of hand,
prestidigitation
in the sense of manoeuvre
Definition
a contrived, complicated, and possibly deceptive plan or action
manoeuvres to block the electoral process
Synonyms
stratagem,
move,
plan,
action,
movement,
scheme,
trick,
plot,
tactic,
intrigue,
dodge,
ploy,
ruse,
artifice,
subterfuge,
machination
in the sense of mirage
Definition
something illusory
Through my half-closed eyelids I began to see mirages.
Synonyms
illusion,
vision,
hallucination,
pipe dream,
chimera,
optical illusion,
phantasm
in the sense of mislead
Definition
to give false or confusing information to
Ministers knowingly misled the public.
Synonyms
deceive,
fool,
delude,
take someone in (informal),
bluff,
beguile,
misdirect,
misinform,
hoodwink,
lead astray,
pull the wool over someone's eyes (informal),
take someone for a ride (informal),
misguide,
give someone a bum steer (informal, US)
in the sense of peculiarity
Definition
a strange or unusual habit
He had many little peculiarities.
Synonyms
quirk,
caprice,
mannerism,
whimsy,
foible,
idiosyncrasy,
odd trait
in the sense of ploy
Definition
a manoeuvre designed to gain an advantage in a situation
a cynical marketing ploy
Synonyms
tactic,
move,
trick,
device,
game,
scheme,
manoeuvre,
dodge,
ruse,
gambit,
subterfuge,
stratagem,
contrivance,
wile
in the sense of practical joke
Definition
a trick intended to make someone look foolish
They played a silly practical joke on her.
Synonyms
trick,
joke,
hoax,
prank
in the sense of prank
Definition
a mischievous trick
a stupid schoolboy prank
Synonyms
trick,
lark (informal),
caper,
frolic,
escapade,
practical joke,
skylarking (informal),
antic,
jape
in the sense of pull the wool over someone's eyes
a phony psychic who pulled the wool over everyone's eyes
Synonyms
deceive,
kid (informal),
trick,
fool,
take in (informal),
con (slang),
dupe,
delude,
bamboozle (informal),
hoodwink,
put one over on (slang),
pull a fast one on someone (informal),
lead someone up the garden path (informal)
in the sense of quirk
Definition
a peculiarity of character
the quirks and foibles of people in everyday situations
Synonyms
peculiarity,
eccentricity,
mannerism,
foible,
idiosyncrasy,
habit,
fancy,
characteristic,
trait,
whim,
oddity,
caprice,
fetish,
aberration,
kink,
vagary,
singularity,
idée fixe
Additional synonyms
in the sense of ruse
Definition
an action or plan intended to mislead someone
This was a ruse to divide them.
Synonyms
trick,
deception,
ploy,
hoax,
device,
manoeuvre,
dodge,
sham,
artifice,
blind,
subterfuge,
stratagem,
wile,
imposture (formal)
in the sense of skill
Definition
special ability or expertise enabling one to perform an activity very well
The cut of a diamond depends on the skill of its craftsman.
Synonyms
expertise,
ability,
proficiency,
experience,
art,
technique,
facility,
talent,
intelligence,
craft,
competence,
readiness,
accomplishment,
knack,
ingenuity,
finesse,
aptitude,
dexterity,
cleverness,
quickness,
adroitness,
expertness,
handiness,
skilfulness
in the sense of stratagem
Definition
a clever plan to deceive an enemy
a competitive stratagem to secure customer loyalty
Synonyms
trick,
scheme,
manoeuvre,
plan,
plot,
device,
intrigue,
dodge,
ploy,
ruse,
artifice,
subterfuge,
feint,
wile,
tactic,
gambit
in the sense of stunt
Definition
anything spectacular or unusual done to gain publicity
a bold promotional stunt
Synonyms
feat,
act,
trick,
exploit,
deed,
tour de force,
gest (archaic)
in the sense of subterfuge
Definition
a trick or deception used to achieve an objective
Most people can see right through that type of subterfuge.
Synonyms
trick,
dodge,
ploy,
shift,
manoeuvre,
deception,
evasion,
pretence,
pretext,
ruse,
artifice,
duplicity,
stratagem,
deviousness,
machination
in the sense of swindle
Definition
an instance of cheating someone out of money
He fled to Switzerland rather than face trial for a tax swindle.
Synonyms
fraud,
fiddle (British, informal),
rip-off (slang),
racket,
scam (slang),
sting (informal),
deception,
imposition,
deceit,
trickery,
double-dealing,
con trick (informal),
sharp practice,
swizzle (British, informal),
knavery,
swizz (British, informal),
roguery,
fastie (Australian, slang)
in the sense of swindle
Definition
to cheat (someone) out of money
He swindled investors out of millions of pounds.
Synonyms
cheat,
do (slang),
con,
skin (slang),
trick,
stiff (slang),
sting (informal),
rip (someone) off (slang),
deceive,
fleece,
defraud,
dupe,
overcharge,
rook (slang),
bamboozle (informal),
diddle (old-fashioned),
take (someone) for a ride (informal),
put one over on (someone) (informal),
pull a fast one (on someone) (informal),
bilk (of),
take to the cleaners (informal),
sell a pup (to) (slang),
cozen (rare),
hornswoggle (slang),
scam (slang)
in the sense of take someone in
Definition
to cheat or deceive
He was a real charmer who totally took me in.
Synonyms
deceive,
fool,
con (informal),
do (slang),
trick,
cheat,
stiff (slang),
mislead,
dupe,
gull (archaic),
swindle,
hoodwink,
pull the wool over someone's eyes (informal),
bilk,
cozen,
scam (slang)
in the sense of technique
Definition
proficiency in a practical or mechanical skill
He went abroad to improve his tennis technique.
Synonyms
skill,
art,
performance,
craft,
touch,
address,
know-how (informal),
facility,
delivery,
execution,
knack,
artistry,
craftsmanship,
proficiency,
adroitness
in the sense of trait
Definition
a characteristic feature or quality of a person or thing
Creativity is a human trait.
Synonyms
characteristic,
feature,
quality,
attribute,
quirk,
peculiarity,
mannerism,
idiosyncrasy,
lineament
Additional synonyms
in the sense of trap
Definition
a plan for tricking a person into being caught unawares
He was trying to decide whether the question was a trap.
Synonyms
trick,
set-up (informal),
deception,
ploy,
ruse,
artifice,
trickery,
subterfuge,
stratagem,
wile,
device
in the sense of trap
Definition
to catch (someone) by a trick
Were you trying to trap her into making an admission?