a dirty trick

USAGE SUMMARY

"a dirty trick" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation when someone has used deception to gain an advantage. For example, "She played a dirty trick by hiding her opponent's golf clubs before the tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A year later, though, biology played a dirty trick on me.

Science Magazine

A dirty trick?

The Economist

"That's a dirty trick.

The New York Times

That was not exactly a dirty trick.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was a dirty trick," she said.

The New York Times

Misinformation may be a dirty trick, but it works.

The New York Times

That angered Mr. Romney, who called it a "dirty trick".

The New York Times

Madden conceded that it was kind of a dirty trick.

The New York Times - Sports

I was the victim of a dirty trick.

The Guardian - Tech

It is a dirty trick on a vast scale.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There's a dirty trick," Mr. Beresford told himself, and settled his shoulders irritably in his coat.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dirty trick" to describe a specific instance of deception or unfair play, especially when highlighting the unethical nature of the action. For instance, "The politician accused his opponent of using "a dirty trick" to win votes."

Common error

Avoid using "a dirty trick" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your language sound repetitive. Instead, vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "deceptive tactic" or "underhanded scheme" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dirty trick" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement, denoting a specific instance of deception or unfair play. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dirty trick" is a common phrase used to describe a deceptive or unfair action, particularly in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in writing. While grammatically correct, it's essential to be mindful of the context and consider more formal alternatives like "deceptive tactic" in certain situations. Overusing the phrase can lead to repetitive writing, so diversifying your vocabulary with synonyms is recommended. The phrase effectively conveys disapproval and emphasizes the unethical nature of the action being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deceptive tactic

Emphasizes the misleading nature of the action.

an underhanded scheme

Highlights the secretive and possibly unethical nature of the plan.

a sneaky maneuver

Focuses on the covert execution of the action.

a devious ploy

Stresses the cunning and manipulative aspect of the tactic.

a foul play

Suggests unfair or dishonest behavior, especially in a competitive setting.

a dishonest ruse

Highlights the deceitful nature of the scheme.

a mean stunt

Implies the action was unkind and intended to cause harm or embarrassment.

an unfair practice

Focuses on the unjust and inequitable nature of the action.

a low blow

Indicates an attack that is considered unfair or unsportsmanlike.

a cheap shot

Suggests an opportunistic and often unwarranted attack or tactic.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dirty trick" to describe a deceptive or unfair action someone takes to gain an advantage. For example, "Hiding the evidence was "a dirty trick" to avoid being caught."

What is the difference between "a dirty trick" and "a deceptive tactic"?

While both terms imply dishonesty, "a dirty trick" often suggests a more personal or targeted act of unfairness, whereas "a deceptive tactic" might refer to a broader, more strategic approach.

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

You can use alternatives like "an underhanded scheme", "a sneaky maneuver", or "a devious ploy" to describe a similar situation.

Is it appropriate to use "a dirty trick" in formal writing?

While "a dirty trick" is widely understood, it might be considered too informal for some formal contexts. In such cases, consider using a more neutral term like "a deceptive practice" or "an unfair tactic".