play tricks
Fool someone deliberately
To play tricks is to deceive or fool someone, often through mischief or manipulation: The kids played tricks on their babysitter.
Memory or perception can play tricks on you when they mislead: My eyes must be playing tricks on me.
The phrase suggests deception that ranges from harmless pranks to genuine betrayal.
Deliberate deception for effect
- conArgument against
- swindleDeception for financial gain
- dupeDeceive or victim
- bamboozleDeceive through cunning
hoodwink · mislead · manipulate · fool · outwit · scam · ruse · bluff
Playful trick on someone
- practical jokeTrick meant to amuse
- shenanigansMischievous or deceitful behavior
- tomfooleryFoolish or silly behavior
- monkeyshinesFrivolous or mischievous behavior
hijinks · gag · caper · antic · roguery · impishness · devilry · naughtiness
Dexterous trickery
- magicSupernatural or illusory power
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- conjuringPerforming magical illusions
- prestidigitationSkillful hand-based illusions
legerdemain · illusion · vanishing · levitation · escape · mentalism · palming · shuffle
hoax
Deliberate deception for effect
bamboozle · hoodwink · mislead · manipulate · fool · outwit · scam · ruse · bluff · feint
prank
Playful trick on someone
- practical jokeTrick meant to amuse
- shenanigansMischievous or deceitful behavior
- tomfooleryFoolish or silly behavior
monkeyshines · hijinks · gag · caper · antic · roguery · impishness · devilry · naughtiness · rascality
sleight
Dexterous trickery
- magicSupernatural or illusory power
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- conjuringPerforming magical illusions
prestidigitation · legerdemain · illusion · vanishing · levitation · escape · mentalism · palming · shuffle · force
play tricksbe honest
Speak without deception
tell the truth · play fair · speak plainly · level with · lay one's cards on the table
play, trick, player, playful, tricky, tricks, playing, played, playground