a clever trick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clever trick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a smart or ingenious method or technique, often in a playful or deceptive context. Example: "The magician performed a clever trick that left the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But the swift has a clever trick up its sleeve.

The Guardian

This is a clever trick, both filmic and optical.

The Guardian - Arts

It is a clever trick, but a trick nevertheless.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seemed that Ms. Elliott had played a clever trick on her audience.

The New York Times - Arts

Others found it both over-sharp and over-sweet, a clever trick to pull.

Independent

Riding your brand on a wave of patriotism and nationalism is a clever trick.

The Guardian - Opinion

1) It's a clever trick, but not one you can let go.

The Guardian - Sport

Prices were harder, but the authors solved this with a clever trick.

The New York Times

This enabled them to eat both meat and veg, a clever trick because it combines quality with reliability.Why change?

The Economist

To get controversial ideas enacted into law, members of Congress use a clever trick: They attach them to otherwise unobjectionable, must-pass bills that fund crucial government services.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The result is that the company can indirectly disrupt and observe aspects of a suspected foreign intelligence operation — a pretty clever trick for a tech company to pull off in its spare time.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a technique as "a clever trick", ensure the context clarifies whether the trick is admirable ingenuity or potentially deceptive. Consider the ethical implications of the "trick" within your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a clever trick" as a generic descriptor. Provide specifics about what makes the trick clever, and its intended outcome. Vague usage weakens your writing. Example: Instead of 'They used a clever trick,' specify 'They used a clever trick involving misdirection to distract the guards'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever trick" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It describes a particular method or action that is considered ingenious and skillful. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clever trick" is a widely used noun phrase to describe an ingenious or skillful method. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, demonstrating a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider the ethical implications of the "trick" and provide specific context to enhance clarity. Consider using alternatives such as "an "ingenious method"" or "a "smart tactic"" to fine-tune your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ingenious method

Focuses on the inventive aspect, emphasizing the intelligence behind the approach.

a smart tactic

Highlights the strategic and planned nature of the approach.

a cunning plan

Suggests a level of slyness or deceptiveness in the scheme.

a neat solution

Emphasizes the simplicity and effectiveness of the solution.

an artful dodge

Implies skillful evasion or avoidance of something.

a shrewd move

Focuses on the wisdom and practicality of the action.

a subtle maneuver

Highlights the discreet and delicate nature of the action.

a crafty scheme

Suggests a manipulative or deceitful intent behind the plan.

a strategic ploy

Emphasizes the calculated and purposeful nature of the action.

a resourceful workaround

Highlights the ability to overcome obstacles using available means.

FAQs

How can I use "a clever trick" in a sentence?

You can use "a clever trick" to describe a smart or ingenious method, often in a playful or slightly deceptive context. For example: "The magician used "a clever trick" to make the rabbit disappear."

What are some alternatives to saying "a clever trick"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "an "ingenious method"", "a "smart tactic"", or "a "cunning plan"".

Is it always positive to describe something as "a clever trick"?

Not necessarily. While "a clever trick" can imply admiration for ingenuity, it can also suggest a slightly deceptive or manipulative approach. The connotation depends heavily on the context.

What's the difference between "a clever trick" and "a simple solution"?

"A "clever trick"" implies ingenuity and perhaps a touch of complexity or deception, whereas "a simple solution" suggests a straightforward and uncomplicated answer to a problem.