dirty trick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dirty trick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deceitful or underhanded action intended to gain an advantage. Example: "He played a dirty trick on his opponent by spreading false rumors before the election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A dirty trick?

The Economist

"That's a dirty trick.

The New York Times

That was not exactly a dirty trick.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is just another dirty trick".

The New York Times

"It was a dirty trick," she said.

The New York Times

Misinformation may be a dirty trick, but it works.

The New York Times

A super-majority requirement is, however, no dirty trick.

The New York Times

That angered Mr. Romney, who called it a "dirty trick".

The New York Times

They tried every dirty trick on him, particularly media vilification.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Dirty tricks?

Independent

Such dirty tricks enfeeble democracy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "dirty trick", ensure the context clearly indicates an intent to deceive or gain an unfair advantage. Avoid using it for simple mistakes or misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "dirty trick" to describe minor inconveniences or unintentional errors. This can dilute the impact of the phrase and make your writing seem hyperbolic. Use a milder term when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dirty trick" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It typically describes an action or tactic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dirty trick" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a deceitful or underhanded action intended to gain an unfair advantage. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid overuse in casual contexts to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "underhanded tactic" or "deceptive ploy" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. As Ludwig's examples show, it frequently appears in news and media, denoting its relevance in discussing politics, business, and other competitive arenas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underhanded tactic

Focuses on the method being sneaky or deceitful.

deceptive ploy

Emphasizes the intention to mislead or deceive.

sneaky maneuver

Highlights the surreptitious nature of the action.

foul play

Indicates unfair or dishonest behavior, often in a game or competition.

underhanded scheme

Stresses the planned and often elaborate nature of the deceit.

dishonest practice

Emphasizes the lack of integrity and ethical behavior.

unscrupulous tactic

Highlights the lack of moral principles in the method used.

deceitful act

Focuses on the act of deceiving or misleading someone.

unfair tactic

Highlights the lack of fairness in the method used.

treacherous game

Suggests a betrayal of trust or loyalty.

FAQs

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

You can use "dirty trick" to describe a deceitful or underhanded action. For instance, "The politician accused his opponent of using a "dirty trick" to win the election".

What's a less harsh way to say "dirty trick"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "unfair tactic", "deceptive ploy", or "sneaky maneuver" as alternatives to "dirty trick".

Is "dirty trick" a formal or informal expression?

"Dirty trick" is generally considered an informal expression, so it might not be suitable for very formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "unscrupulous tactic" in more formal contexts.

What distinguishes a "dirty trick" from a simple mistake?

A "dirty trick" implies intentional deception or manipulation to gain an advantage, whereas a mistake is unintentional. The key difference lies in the intent and awareness of the action.