sleight

USAGE SUMMARY

"sleight" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun meaning a clever trick or an act of dexterity. For example, "She used her sleight of hand to pull the coin from behind my ear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Again, Darling or Cable should have called him on his verbal sleight of hand there but they didn't.

The Guardian - Opinion

You must hurl a ball, with a straight arm please and from a rather exact position, 22 yards, making it land in the same place every time, with sufficient guile, pace, or other sleight of hand to avoid the destructive impulses of the batsman.

The Guardian - Sport

Manchester's deal with Osborne was reached by sleight of hand, by one man with a political problem to solve and another who saw this as an opportunity.

The Guardian

It was a comeback by sleight of hand, and one that would be a feather in the hat of the most highly strategic spin doctor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A further sleight of hand by the central government is simply to push the excess of actual spending over outlay into the next year's spending, thereby reducing the next year's outlay even more.

The Guardian

All this strikes me as what magicians call "misdirection", the sleight of hand by which the attention of the audience is drawn away from what is really happening.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Saab says the tourism project cost much more, and suggested that it was up to the authorities to decide what value they put on what it achieved.This sleight-of-hand helps to explain why industry executives are better disposed towards offsets in private than in public, says Ms Marshall.

The Economist

Its plan to sell more than half of the asset-management division while retaining more than half of its profit smacks of sleight-of-hand.

The Economist

Others, dismayed by this sleight-of-hand, were left muttering darkly about Albion's perfidious tactics.The Turks must now turn to the tougher problem of actually getting in.

The Economist

REALISTIC fiction is really a sleight-of-hand.

The Economist

I was amazed to witness their lead shaman performing what I could easily recognise as sleight-of-hand magic but he was using it to make his audience believe that seemingly impossible difficulties could be overcome.Magicians have also long exploited science to create entertaining spectacles, sometimes using technology well before the general public would become aware of it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sleight" in your writing, consider the context. It often implies a degree of deception or manipulation, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning. For example, use "sleight of hand" when describing a magician's trick or a politician's evasive tactics.

Common error

Don't use "sleight" simply to describe any kind of skill or dexterity. It specifically refers to a skill used to deceive or manipulate, not general competence. Using it incorrectly can alter the intended meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sleight" is that of a noun, often used to describe a cunning trick or artful practice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies dexterity and skill, frequently appearing in the phrase "sleight of hand" to denote manual dexterity used in a deceptive manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sleight" functions primarily as a noun, often employed to depict a deceptive or artful act, most notably within the idiomatic expression "sleight of hand". Ludwig AI confirms that the term refers to cunning, craft, or dexterity, particularly when used to conceal or manipulate. Its usage is most frequent in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register. It's essential to consider the connotation of deception when using "sleight", avoiding its application to general skills. A few examples that can be used instead of the query are "deceptive maneuver", "artful dodge", and "clever trickery".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skillful deception

Highlights the mastery and expertise involved in the act of deceiving.

ingenious ruse

Emphasizes the cleverness and inventiveness of the deceptive plan.

clever trickery

Emphasizes the intelligence and cunning involved in the deceptive act.

subtle manipulation

Emphasizes the understated and delicate nature of the manipulative act.

cunning artifice

Highlights the clever and deceptive nature of the method used.

deceptive maneuver

Focuses on the misleading aspect, emphasizing the intention to deceive.

crafty scheme

Highlights the planning and ingenuity involved in the deceptive plot.

manipulative tactic

Draws attention to the use of manipulation to achieve a desired outcome.

shrewd maneuver

Emphasizes the intelligence and astuteness behind the action.

artful dodge

Highlights the skillful evasion or avoidance of something.

FAQs

How is "sleight of hand" used in a sentence?

The phrase "sleight of hand" is commonly used to describe a clever trick or deception where manual dexterity is used to conceal the true nature of the act. For example: "The magician's performance relied heavily on "sleight of hand" to create illusions".

What are some synonyms for "sleight of hand"?

Synonyms for "sleight of hand" include "dexterity", "legerdemain", and "artifice". Each of these words captures the essence of skillful manipulation, but "sleight of hand" particularly emphasizes the deceptive element.

Is it correct to use "sleight" without "of hand"?

While "sleight of hand" is the most common usage, "sleight" can be used alone to refer to a cunning trick or artful practice. However, it's less common, and using the full phrase "sleight of hand" often provides more clarity and impact.

What is the difference between "sleight of hand" and a simple "trick"?

"Sleight of hand" implies a level of skill and dexterity used to deceive, often involving manual manipulation to create an illusion. A simple "trick", on the other hand, can be any deceptive act, regardless of the skill involved. "Sleight of hand" suggests artistry and finesse in the deception.