cruel trick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cruel trick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deceptive or harmful action that is intended to cause pain or distress to someone. Example: "Playing that prank on her was a cruel trick that left her feeling humiliated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's a cruel trick".

The New York Times

It felt like a cruel trick.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's almost like a cruel trick".

The New York Times

Last week, my brain played a cruel trick on me.

The New York Times

It seems like a cruel trick on me.

The Guardian

But Granderson is too nice a guy to pull that kind of cruel trick on somebody.

The New York Times

To some, this would have seemed like a cruel trick played by a malevolent god.

The New Yorker

If he wasn't a basset hound in a previous life, someone has played a cruel trick.

The New York Times

It is a cruel trick played on those who are not forewarned.

The New York Times

It was then, Mr. Nasir said, that his mentors played a cruel trick.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This was a bonus, but the napier grass around the plot - the "trap" that drew the stem borer away from the maize - also played a cruel trick on the moth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cruel trick", ensure the context clearly establishes the intent and impact of the action, emphasizing both the deception and the resulting harm or distress.

Common error

Avoid using "cruel trick" for minor inconveniences or playful pranks that lack genuine malicious intent or significant negative consequences. Reserve it for situations where the deception is deliberate and causes substantial harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cruel trick" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'cruel' modifies 'trick'. The word 'cruel' acts as an adjective that qualifies the type of trick, indicating its malicious or harmful nature. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cruel trick" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes a deceptive action intended to cause harm or distress. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to express disapproval of a malicious act. While generally neutral in register, the term carries a strong negative connotation due to the adjective "cruel". It appears frequently in news and media sources. When using "cruel trick", it's important to ensure that the context accurately reflects the severity and intent behind the deceptive act, reserving it for situations where genuine harm is involved. Alternatives such as "mean prank", "nasty deception", and "vicious hoax" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mean prank

Replaces "trick" with "prank", emphasizing the playful but unkind nature of the act.

nasty deception

Substitutes both words, highlighting the deceitful and unpleasant aspects of the action.

vicious hoax

Emphasizes the malicious and deceptive nature of the act, suggesting a larger scale or more impactful deception.

heartless joke

Focuses on the lack of empathy involved in the act, portraying it as a joke without consideration for others' feelings.

callous stunt

Highlights the insensitive and showy nature of the act, implying a lack of concern for its impact.

brutal prank

Replaces cruel with brutal, which suggest even more severe and unkind acts.

painful ruse

Shifts focus to the suffering caused by the trick, emphasizing its emotionally damaging effects.

hurtful scheme

Highlights the intentional planning and the emotionally damaging nature of the act.

evil ploy

Uses 'evil' to highlight the extreme degree of bad intention of the trick.

deceptive practice

Replaces "trick" with "practice", framing the action as a deliberate and potentially recurring behavior intended to mislead.

FAQs

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

You can use "cruel trick" to describe a deceptive action intended to cause pain or distress, such as: "The magician's illusion turned out to be a "cruel trick" that left the audience feeling cheated." or "Life played a "cruel trick" on him when he lost his job after many years of loyal service."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "cruel trick"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "mean prank", "nasty deception", or "vicious hoax". The best choice depends on the specific nuances you want to convey.

Is "cruel trick" too harsh for describing a practical joke?

It depends on the severity of the joke. If the joke is harmless and lighthearted, "cruel trick" would be an overstatement. Consider using it only when the joke involves significant deception and causes real distress or harm.

What's the difference between "cruel trick" and "unfortunate event"?

"Cruel trick" implies intentional deception and maliciousness, while "unfortunate event" suggests an accident or circumstance without deliberate intent to cause harm. The key difference lies in the presence of intention and deceit.