sharp practice
Ethically questionable commerce
Sharp practice is conduct that's technically legal but ethically dubious—exploiting loopholes, using deceptive tactics, or taking advantage of others' trust or ignorance.
The term suggests cunning that stops just short of fraud: The contract was full of sharp practice—hidden fees buried in the fine print.
Common in legal and business contexts where someone gains unfair advantage without quite breaking rules.
Intentional criminal trickery
- swindleDeception for financial gain
- scamDishonest money-making scheme
- conArgument against
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
misrepresentation · dupery · charlatanry · deceit · fakery · imposture · cheating · sham
fraud
Intentional criminal trickery
hoax · misrepresentation · dupery · charlatanry · deceit · fakery · imposture · cheating · sham · pretense
unscrupulous
Lacking moral principles
underhanded · crooked · unethical · immoral · exploitation · unfair · sleazy · dodgy · nefarious · malfeasance
shrewd
Practically clever, perceptive
scheming · calculating · manipulative · canny · astute · guile · slick · devious · conniving · opportunistic
sharp practicefair dealing
Honest, equitable conduct principle
good faith · ethical conduct · integrity · square dealing · straight dealing
sharp practicefair play
Honorable conduct in games
no tricks · gentlemanly conduct · sportsmanship · clean hands
sharp, practice, sharpen, sharper, sharpness, sharply, practices, sharpening, sharpened