cheap tricks
Low-effort deceptive tactics
Cheap tricks are methods or tactics that achieve results through deception, manipulation, or exploitation rather than skill or merit.
The phrase often carries disapproval, suggesting something underhanded or unworthy: The magician relied on cheap tricks rather than genuine sleight of hand.
In rhetoric or debate, cheap tricks might include logical fallacies or emotional manipulation.
The term can also describe shortcuts that technically work but feel unsatisfying or dishonest.
- hocus-pocusDeceptive talk or tricks
- gimmickAttention-getting device or trick
- dog and pony showOstentatious promotional display
- schemesCrafty organized plans
- pulling stringsExercising covert influence
deception · ruse · ploy · fast one · lip service · song and dance · bait-and-switch · bait and switch · tokenism · publicity stunts · window dressing · exploitation · sleight of hand · shell game · frauds · shortcuts · cut corners · sensationalism
cheap tricksfair play
Honorable conduct in games
ethical practices · integrity · ethical conduct · transparency · good faith
cheap trickshard work
Sustained strenuous effort
rigorous training · blood sweat and tears · putting in the work · long hours · the hard way
cheap, tricks, cheaper, cheapest, cheaply, cheapness, cheapen, cheapened, cheapening