bag of tricks

USAGE SUMMARY

"bag of tricks" is a common phrase in written English and can be used in various contexts.
It is often used to describe someone's collection of skills, resources, or strategies that they use to achieve a goal or solve a problem. Example: As a seasoned lawyer, Sarah had a bag of tricks for persuading the jury in her favor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eagles pull out their bag of tricks.

The New York Times - Sports

She had the bag of tricks.

The New York Times

And now, he has a bag of tricks.

University of California, Berkeley

He's quick, strong and has a bag of tricks.

Independent

Packing up her bag of tricks, Long checks her email.

Independent

Now that bag of tricks is empty as well.

The New York Times

Serious sophistication with a deep bag of tricks.

The Guardian - Music

Oh, I've got a whole bag of tricks".

The New York Times

Bully for you if that's in your bag of tricks.

The New Yorker

Or will it be Fox and his bag of tricks?

The New York Times - Sports

And Nic is still planning to add clustering to our bag of tricks.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bag of tricks", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a positive set of skills or potentially deceptive tactics. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your communication.

Common error

While "bag of tricks" is widely understood, avoid relying on it excessively. Replace it with more specific descriptions of the actual skills or strategies to add depth and clarity to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bag of tricks" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes a collection of resources, skills, or strategies that someone can utilize. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage in various contexts, emphasizing its role in depicting resourcefulness or strategic planning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

11%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bag of tricks" is a common noun phrase used to describe a collection of skills, strategies, or resources. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its usage is generally neutral, it's essential to ensure that the context clarifies whether you're referring to a positive set of skills or potentially deceptive tactics. Overusing this cliché can detract from writing; therefore, substituting it with more specific descriptions is advisable. This expression, while widely understood, benefits from nuanced application to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repertoire of skills

Focuses specifically on skills as a collection, rather than a general set of resources.

arsenal of techniques

Emphasizes the strategic and methodical nature of the collection.

collection of strategies

Highlights the planned and deliberate nature of the resources.

toolbox of methods

Implies a set of practical tools and approaches for solving problems.

range of abilities

Specifically refers to a person's capabilities and proficiencies.

stock of resources

Focuses on the availability of aids and support for achieving goals.

set of ploys

Suggests a collection of cunning and strategic actions.

compendium of techniques

Emphasizes a detailed and comprehensive compilation of methods.

kit of solutions

Highlights a prepared collection of answers to solve particular issues.

chest of resources

Similar to “stock of resources” this alternative highlights the variety and value of available resources.

FAQs

How can I use "bag of tricks" in a sentence?

You can use "bag of tricks" to describe someone who has a variety of skills or strategies to deal with different situations. For example, "The experienced negotiator had a "bag of tricks" to handle any challenge during the talks".

What does it mean when someone says "bag of tricks"?

When someone says "bag of tricks", they're usually referring to a set of skills, methods, or resources that a person or entity can use to achieve a goal or solve a problem. It often implies resourcefulness and adaptability.

Which is correct, "bag of tricks" or "bottomless bag of tricks"?

"Bag of tricks" is the standard and more common phrase. "Bottomless bag of tricks" is an extended version that emphasizes an endless supply of skills or resources.

What are some alternative phrases for "bag of tricks"?

Some alternative phrases for "bag of tricks" include "repertoire of skills", "arsenal of techniques", or "toolbox of methods", depending on the specific context.