does the trick

USAGE SUMMARY

"does the trick" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, usually meaning to achieve the desired result.
For example: "Adding some extra sugar to the recipe does the trick and makes it just sweet enough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That always does the trick".

The New York Times

It usually does the trick.

Independent

The wig does the trick.

Independent

The procedure does the trick.

The New York Times - Arts

Mere talk does the trick.

The Washington Post

That really does the trick.

The Telegraph

This does the trick wonderfully.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That usually does the trick.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That apparently does the trick.

The New York Times

A hug usually does the trick.

The New York Times

It does the trick, Mr. Whaley said.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "does the trick" when you want to convey that a simple or unexpected solution effectively solves a problem or achieves a desired outcome. It's particularly useful when the solution is less complicated than one might expect.

Common error

While "does the trick" is a useful idiom, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less sophisticated. Vary your language by using synonyms like "gets the job done" or "is sufficient" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does the trick" functions as an idiomatic expression. It is used as a predicate in a sentence to indicate that something effectively achieves a desired result or solves a problem. This is supported by examples in Ludwig, where it confirms its effective use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

13%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does the trick" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to express that something effectively achieves a desired result or solves a problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While generally neutral in tone, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with substantial presence in academic and wiki sources as well. To avoid overuse, consider employing synonyms such as "gets the job done" or "is sufficient" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gets the job done

This alternative focuses on the completion of a task, emphasizing efficiency and accomplishment.

serves its purpose

This alternative highlights the functionality and intention behind an action or object.

achieves the desired result

This alternative directly points to the successful attainment of a specific outcome.

proves effective

This alternative emphasizes the demonstrated ability to produce a successful outcome.

is sufficient

This alternative indicates that something meets the necessary requirements or is adequate for the task.

solves the problem

This alternative specifically addresses the resolution of an issue or difficulty.

works like a charm

This alternative suggests that something is very effective and successful in a delightful or unexpected way.

hits the spot

This alternative implies that something perfectly satisfies a particular need or desire.

fills the bill

This alternative signifies that something is suitable or meets the required criteria.

suffices

This alternative conveys that something is enough or adequate for a particular purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "does the trick" in a sentence?

You can use "does the trick" to indicate that a particular solution effectively achieves the desired outcome. For instance, "Adding a bit of lemon "does the trick" to brighten the sauce."

What are some alternatives to "does the trick"?

Alternatives include phrases like "gets the job done", "serves its purpose", or "is sufficient", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "does the trick"?

It's suitable to use "does the trick" in both informal and neutral contexts where you want to express that something effectively solves a problem or achieves a goal. It might not be the best choice for highly formal or technical writing.

What's the difference between "does the trick" and "solves the problem"?

"Does the trick" often implies a simpler or more straightforward solution than expected, while "solves the problem" is a more general term for resolving an issue, regardless of the complexity of the solution.