6 entries found for trick.
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Main Entry: 1trick
Pronunciation: trik
Function: noun 1 a: an action meant to deceive or cheat b: a mischievous act : PRANKc: an unwise or childish action d: a skillful or clever feat designed to puzzle or amuse <a juggler's tricks> 2: a habitual peculiarity of behavior or manner <a trick of speech> 3 a: a quick or artful way of getting a result : KNACK <the trick is to do it quickly> b: an instance of getting a desired result <one small adjustment will do the trick> 4: a technical device (as of an art or craft) <tricks of the trade> 5: the cards played in one round of a card game synonymsTRICK, RUSE, WILE, STRATEGEM mean an indirect means to gain an end. TRICK may imply deception, mischief, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end <a trick to make you look younger>. RUSE stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression <the ruses of smugglers>. WILE suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false temptations <used all of his wiles to gain support>. STRATEGEM implies a trick used to entrap, outwit, or surprise an opponent and suggests a more or less carefully laid-out plan <the chess player's strategems>.