magic box
Illusionist's trick prop
Magic box is a casual or whimsical term for any device whose inner workings seem mysterious or incomprehensible to the user—computers, televisions, or other electronics that produce results without revealing how: I don't understand the technology; it's just a magic box to me.
The phrase can be gently self-deprecating or dismissive of technical complexity.
- conjuringPerforming magical illusions
- sleight of handSkillful manual deception
- enchantmentMagical influence over someone
- artifactHuman-made historical object
- sorceryPractice of dark magic
spellcasting · wizardry · zoetrope · charm · smoke and mirrors · kinetoscope · shadow play · crystal ball · treasure chest · imagination · bewitchment · fantasmagoria · optical illusion · stereoscope · spellbook · runestone · amulet · talisman
- puzzle boxessliding puzzle, cryptex
- magicwizard, wand, sorcerer, witchcraft, sorcery
- magic trickssawing in half, curtain drop, mirror trick, circular blade
- magical artifactsamulet, talisman, wand, grimoire, spellbook
- propstop hat, fake mustache, fake nose, wig, eye patch
- magic propswand, top hat, cards, playing cards, card deck