cheap trick
Low-effort deception
A cheap trick is a tactic that's underhanded, manipulative, or relies on exploiting an unfair advantage rather than genuine skill or merit.
The phrase implies something sneaky but not necessarily clever: Hiding the contract's real terms in the fine print was a cheap trick.
In entertainment, cheap tricks are effects that get easy reactions without artistry—jump scares, shock value, emotional manipulation.
Dangerous feat for spectacle
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- contrivanceClever invention or scheme
- gimmickryUse of clever tricks
- noveltyQuality of being original
fad · quirk · shortcut · crowd-pleaser · attention-grabber · publicity stunt · showmanship · shtick
Dishonest money-making scheme
- conArgument against
- swindleDeception for financial gain
- ruseDeliberate act of deception
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
fraud · sham · deceit · bamboozle · hoodwink · flimflam · dupery · chicanery
Deceptive plan for advantage
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- artificeClever deceptive strategy
machination · dodge · feint · wile · exploitation · sharp practice · low blow · cunning
Solid earthen material
- RockfordIllinois's third-largest city
- power popHook-laden melodic rock genre
- arena rockLarge-venue music genre
- guitar pickFlat strumming implement
stunt
Dangerous feat for spectacle
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- contrivanceClever invention or scheme
- gimmickryUse of clever tricks
novelty · fad · quirk · shortcut · crowd-pleaser · attention-grabber · publicity stunt · showmanship · shtick · hook
scam
Dishonest money-making scheme
hoax · fraud · sham · deceit · bamboozle · hoodwink · flimflam · dupery · chicanery · subterfuge
stratagem
Deceptive plan for advantage
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
artifice · machination · dodge · feint · wile · exploitation · sharp practice · low blow · cunning · craftiness
rock
Solid earthen material
- RockfordIllinois's third-largest city
- power popHook-laden melodic rock genre
- arena rockLarge-venue music genre
guitar pick · concert · album
- low blowslow blow, sucker punch, below the belt, hit below the belt, potshot
cheap trickhard work
Sustained strenuous effort
merit · substance · craftsmanship · dedication · perseverance
cheap trickfair play
Honorable conduct in games
straightforwardness · transparency · good faith · candor · integrity
cheap, trick, cheaper, cheapest, cheaply, cheapness, cheapen, cheapened, cheapening