a slight trick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight trick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor deception or clever maneuver in various contexts, such as magic, games, or social situations. Example: "The magician performed a slight trick that left the audience wondering how he did it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It is based not on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original 19th century stories about the famous English sleuth, but the 2005 novel A Slight Trick of the Mind by Mitch Cullin.

The Guardian - Film

The Berlin film festival has announced the latest additions to its 2015 program, capped with Mr Holmes, an adaptation of Mitch Cullin's novel A Slight Trick of the Mind which imagines Sherlock Holmes in the twilight of his years.

The Guardian - Film

It is loosely adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from Mitch Cullin's 2005 novel A Slight Trick of the Mind, featuring Holmes at 93, living in cantankerous retirement in Sussex in 1947 and exasperated at the way he has been misrepresented in Watson's bestselling accounts of his famous cases.

The Guardian - Film

Adapted from Mitch Cullin's novel A Slight Trick of the Mind, Mr Holmes uses this clever conceit to investigate the ways in which people can be affected by the loved ones they've lost, and the ways in which reality can be affected by imagination.

BBC

Ian McKellan called this the "quintessential" British story, as told by Americans: Jeffrey Hatcher's screenplay from Mitch Cullin's A Slight Trick of the Mind, and directed by Bill Condon.

Huffington Post

Getting there involves a slight trick.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The only slight trick to making a choucroute is accounting for the cooking times of different pork products.

The New York Times - Food

The slight trick in the question is that, by asking you what you were hearing, I prompted your brain to take control of the sensory experience — and made you listen rather than just hear.

The New York Times

Remembering the first animal as rat will be easy, and remembering the second animal requires a slight word mapping trick; rabbit, has letters "a" and "i" in it which corresponds well with "realize".

WikiHow

"There's so much repetition in the music, with a slight variation, so the trick was how to build up to the crescendo," Mr. Rioult said.

The New York Times - Arts

"Did I Let You Know" rides a slight tropical rhythm, a trick maybe borrowed from Vampire Weekend or one of its more toothless peers, bands that in the past five years have reframed the idea of what it means to be a funk-aware rock band, engaged but not visceral.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight trick", ensure the context clarifies the nature and scope of the trick. Is it a minor deception, a clever tactic, or a harmless illusion? Providing context will prevent misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight trick" to describe something with significant consequences. This phrase implies a minor action, so using it for major events can create a misleading or underwhelming effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight trick" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it's a usable and correct construction. The adjective "slight" modifies the noun "trick", indicating a minor or subtle action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight trick" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that refers to a minor deception or clever maneuver. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its frequency is uncommon, appearing most often in news and media. When using the phrase, it's crucial to provide context to clarify the nature and scope of the trick, and avoid overstating its impact. Semantically related phrases include "a minor deception", "a small ruse", and "a clever ploy". Alternatives and examples provided help to clarify when and how to use the phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor deception

Emphasizes the deceptive aspect, suggesting a less elaborate or consequential trick.

a small ruse

Highlights the element of deception, often implying a playful or harmless trick.

a clever ploy

Focuses on the ingenuity and strategic nature of the trick, implying intelligence and purpose.

a subtle maneuver

Emphasizes the delicateness and finesse of the action, suggesting skill and precision.

a gentle artifice

Suggests a refined and graceful form of trickery, often used for aesthetic or persuasive purposes.

a delicate deception

Combines the aspects of subtlety and deception, indicating a skillful and understated act.

a simple stratagem

Highlights the strategic aspect, implying a straightforward and effective approach.

a mild trickery

Emphasizes the harmlessness of the trick, suggesting it is not intended to cause significant harm or inconvenience.

a light manipulation

Focuses on the controlled influence, suggesting a gentle guiding or shaping of events.

a touch of guile

Implies a hint of cunning or slyness, suggesting a subtle use of intelligence to achieve a goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight trick" to describe a minor deception or clever maneuver. For example, "The magician used "a slight trick" to make the rabbit disappear."

What are some alternatives to "a slight trick"?

Alternatives include "a minor deception", "a small ruse", or "a clever ploy", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a slightly trick"?

No, the correct phrase is "a slight trick". The adjective "slight" modifies the noun "trick" directly. Using "slightly" (an adverb) would be grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "a slight trick" and "a major deception"?

"A slight trick" implies a minor or inconsequential act, while "a major deception" suggests a more significant and potentially harmful act. The difference lies in the scale and impact of the action.