parlour trick
Drawing room diversion
A parlour trick is a small feat of magic, sleight of hand, or clever demonstration performed to entertain guests—the sort of thing once shown off in Victorian parlours.
The phrase now usually appears dismissively, suggesting something superficially impressive but lacking real substance: Their so-called innovation is just a parlour trick.
Also spelled parlor trick.
Performance of illusions
- magicianPerformer of illusions
- conjuringPerforming magical illusions
- illusionistPerformer of visual deception
- ventriloquismSpeaking through apparent others
close-up magic · cup and balls · levitation · mind reading · mentalism · escapology · rabbit from hat · disappearing act
Skillful manual deception
- palmingHiding object in hand
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- prestidigitationSkillful hand-based illusions
- legerdemainSkillful hand-based deception
force · flourish · manipulation · pass · shuffle · gimmick · thumb tip · dexterity
Attention-getting device or trick
- stuntDangerous feat for spectacle
- superficialityAbsence of meaningful depth
- showmanshipSkill at impressive presentation
- flashBrief burst of light
razzle-dazzle · empty gesture · smoke and mirrors · façade · window dressing · novelty
Misleading visual perception
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
- trompe l'oeilRealistic optical illusion art
- smoke and mirrorsDeceptive obfuscation tactics
- secret compartmentConcealed storage space
forced perspective · visual deception · camouflage · distraction · false bottom
magic show
Performance of illusions
- magicianPerformer of illusions
- conjuringPerforming magical illusions
- illusionistPerformer of visual deception
ventriloquism · close-up magic · cup and balls · levitation · mind reading · mentalism · escapology · rabbit from hat · disappearing act · sawing in half
sleight of hand
Skillful manual deception
- palmingHiding object in hand
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- prestidigitationSkillful hand-based illusions
legerdemain · force · flourish · manipulation · pass · shuffle · gimmick · thumb tip · dexterity · nimble fingers
gimmick
Attention-getting device or trick
- stuntDangerous feat for spectacle
- superficialityAbsence of meaningful depth
- showmanshipSkill at impressive presentation
flash · razzle-dazzle · empty gesture · smoke and mirrors · façade · window dressing · novelty
optical illusion
Misleading visual perception
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
- trompe l'oeilRealistic optical illusion art
- smoke and mirrorsDeceptive obfuscation tactics
secret compartment · forced perspective · visual deception · camouflage · distraction · false bottom
- magicwizard, wand, sorcerer, witchcraft, mage
parlour trickdeep knowledge
Thorough grasp of subject
virtuosity · technical proficiency · craftsmanship · artistry · rigorous training
parlour tricklasting legacy
Influence surviving its source
magnum opus · tour de force · breakthrough · life's work · enduring legacy
parlour, parlor, trick, tricks, tricked, tricking, trickster, trickery, tricky