a mean trick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mean trick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unkind or unfair action taken against someone. Example: "Playing that prank on her was really a mean trick; she didn't deserve it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A couple of decades ago, a class of psychology undergraduates played a mean trick on their lecturer.

The Guardian

(And, yes, the action is actually set in a couple of public bathrooms; that's not just a mean trick).

The New York Times

Steven Sample, the recently departed president of the University of Southern California, used to play a mean trick on his graduate students.

The Guardian - Opinion

Marianne plays a mean trick on the ship's innocent in residence, Carl Tom Sturridgee), who's under the wing of the renegades' leader, Quentin (Bill Nighy, reliably amusing).

The New York Times

It continues: "Slashing tax credits and other financial support for lower paid workers is a mean trick in a wolf of a budget dressed up as a sheep..

The Guardian

It's a school of funny that in the wrong hands can be a mean trick, as with Amos and Andy doing blackface, or Milton Berle's ugly-woman shtick.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In such times, when even grown-ups are scared, to take from children these brief moments of mastery in a frightening world would be a very mean trick indeed.

The New York Times

This is just a mean joke to play on a trick-or-treater!

Huffington Post

(This is a rather mean trick which you might prefer to avoid, and use a plain box or one that suggests some cheap contents).

WikiHow

You could say that Bush had asked for this by going around calling Greeks Grecians and Kosovars Kosovarians, but it was still a pretty mean trick.

The New Yorker

Says Lilly's research chief, Steven Paul, "If amyloid isn't connected to the disease pathogenesis, God is playing a fairly mean trick on us".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing acts with significant consequences or calculated malice, consider stronger alternatives like "cruel joke" or "despicable deed".

Common error

While "a mean trick" is acceptable in general writing, it may sound too informal or colloquial for formal or professional contexts. In such situations, opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "an act of deception" or "unethical behavior".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mean trick" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes a specific instance of unkind or unfair behavior. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment of the phrase's usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mean trick" is a commonly used phrase that describes an unkind or unfair action. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, although it may be too informal for highly professional or academic writing. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, and less often in business or scientific contexts. When using "a mean trick", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and whether stronger or more formal alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a nasty prank

Emphasizes the mischievous and unpleasant nature of the act.

a cruel joke

Highlights the intent to cause pain or distress.

a dirty trick

Suggests dishonesty and unfairness in the action.

an unkind act

A more general term for an action lacking kindness.

a rotten thing to do

Focuses on the moral reprehensibility of the action.

a despicable deed

Emphasizes the vileness and contemptibility of the act.

a low blow

Implies an unfair advantage was taken in the situation.

a cheap shot

Suggests a petty and unsportsmanlike action.

a deceitful scheme

Highlights the deceptive planning involved.

a treacherous act

Emphasizes the betrayal and disloyalty involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mean trick" to describe someone's action as unkind or unfair. For example, "Playing that prank on her was "a mean trick"; she didn't deserve it."

What's the difference between "a mean trick" and "a dirty trick"?

"A mean trick" generally refers to an unkind or inconsiderate action, while "a dirty trick" implies dishonesty or unfairness, often involving deception or underhanded tactics.

What can I say instead of "a mean trick"?

You can use alternatives like "a nasty prank", "a cruel joke", or "an unkind act" depending on the context.

Is "a mean trick" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a mean trick" might be too informal for some formal writing. Consider using more sophisticated phrases like "an act of deception" or "unethical behavior" in such cases.