cheap trick

USAGE SUMMARY

"cheap trick" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English, often used to refer to a strategy that's easy to implement but yields a deceptive or surprising result.
For example, "I wouldn't have expected such a dramatic result from such a cheap trick."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Arts

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Cheap Trick, cover band.

The New York Times

It's a cheap trick".

The New York Times

Aerosmith with Cheap Trick.

The New York Times

Cheap Trick Writing To Me.

The Guardian - Film

It's a neat (cheap) trick.

The Guardian - Music

HUNTINGTON The Paramount Cheap Trick, rock.

The New York Times

It's not merely a cheap trick.

The New York Times - Arts

I think that's a cheap trick.

Independent

Cheap Trick will finally be recognised!

The Guardian - Music

Like a cheap trick in a pantomime.

The Guardian - Travel

It's a cheap trick, but animal analogies are generally funny.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cheap trick" when you want to criticize a method or technique that is unsophisticated, easy to execute, and relies on deception or surprise rather than genuine skill or merit.

Common error

While "cheap trick" is readily understood, avoid relying on it excessively. Vary your language with synonyms like "gimmick", "ruse", or "ploy" to maintain reader engagement and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheap trick" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or a direct object. Ludwig AI's confirmation of its validity shows the phrase serves to identify or describe a particular type of action or strategy, focusing on its deceptive or unsophisticated nature, as suggested by the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

15%

Music

15%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cheap trick" is a commonly used phrase to describe a deceptive or unsophisticated tactic, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical function is that of a noun phrase, usually employed to express disapproval. While generally informal, the phrase appears frequently in news and media and arts related content. When writing, it's important to consider synonyms such as "gimmick", "ruse", or "ploy" to prevent overuse and maintain clarity. Remember that "cheap trick" implies a lack of skill or deception, so use it appropriately to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easy deception

Emphasizes the simplicity and dishonesty.

obvious stunt

Implies the action is attention-seeking and easily seen through.

gimmicky ploy

Replaces "cheap" with "gimmicky", emphasizing the lack of sophistication.

simplistic scheme

Suggests a basic and unsophisticated plan.

blatant contrivance

Stresses the artificial and obvious nature.

transparent ruse

Highlights the obviousness of the deception.

crude maneuver

Emphasizes the unrefined nature of the action.

low tactic

Focuses on the unethical nature of the action.

tawdry scheme

Conveys a sense of something cheap, vulgar and unpleasant.

insipid stratagem

Emphasizes the plan lacks flavor or interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "cheap trick" to describe a strategy or tactic that is easy to implement but designed to deceive or unfairly gain an advantage. For example, "The politician's emotional appeal was seen as a "cheap trick" to win votes".

What's a synonym for "cheap trick"?

Alternatives to "cheap trick" include "gimmick", "ploy", "ruse", or "stunt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cheap trick" a formal or informal expression?

"Cheap trick" is generally considered an informal expression. In formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "deceptive tactic" or "unsophisticated strategy".

What's the difference between "cheap trick" and "clever strategy"?

While both phrases describe methods to achieve a goal, "cheap trick" implies deception or a lack of genuine skill, whereas "clever strategy" suggests intelligence and ingenuity. It is important to be aware of this difference.