sleight of hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"sleight of hand" is a correct phrase in written English and is commonly used in its figurative sense to describe a deft or skillful maneuver.
Example Sentence: She managed to get out of the difficult situation using a clever sleight of hand.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Simple sleight of hand.

The New York Times

That's the sleight of hand.

The New York Times

A sleight of hand.

The New Yorker

No sleight of hand?

The Guardian - Sport

"A sleight of hand," Louis said.

The New York Times

Some restorations suggest sleight of hand.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

— some smartphone-related sleight-of-hand.

The New York Times - Tech

Some consider him our greatest sleight-of-hand artist.

The New York Times

REALISTIC fiction is really a sleight-of-hand.

The Economist

In childhood he taught himself sleight-of-hand from books.

The New York Times

The Palestinians initially balked, suspecting a Netanyahu sleight-of-hand.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sleight of hand" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to literal magic tricks or a more figurative form of deception or skillful manipulation. Clarity is key to prevent misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "sleight of hand" to describe situations that involve complex planning or long-term strategies. This phrase is best suited for describing swift, skillful actions that often involve a degree of deception or misdirection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sleight of hand" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a skillful deception or manipulation, especially involving the hands. As Ludwig indicates, it's commonly used both literally, to describe magic tricks, and figuratively, to denote deception.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Reference

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sleight of hand" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound noun phrase. As Ludwig confirms, it's used to describe skillful deception, often involving manual dexterity, or a more figurative form of manipulation. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, as well as in reference materials. While generally neutral in tone, context can shift it toward informal or professional registers. To use it effectively, ensure the context clarifies whether it refers to literal magic or figurative deception, and avoid applying it to situations involving complex planning. "Sleight of hand" is a powerful tool for describing swift, skillful actions with an element of misdirection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legerdemain

This term is a direct synonym, specifically referring to skillful deception or trickery, often involving manual dexterity.

prestidigitation

Similar to legerdemain, this emphasizes the manual skill and dexterity in performing tricks or illusions.

dexterous deception

Combines the elements of manual skill and deceitful intent.

clever trickery

Focuses on the cunning and deceptive nature of the act.

deceptive maneuver

Highlights the deceitful aspect of the action, focusing on the intent to mislead.

skillful manipulation

Emphasizes the control and expertise used to influence a situation or outcome.

artful dodge

This phrase suggests a clever way of avoiding something, often through deception or quick thinking.

cunning strategy

Focuses on the carefully planned and deceptive nature of the approach.

juggling

Focuses on skill, often related to the hands.

smooth operator

Describes someone who is skilled at getting what they want, often through charm or deception.

FAQs

How can I use "sleight of hand" in a sentence?

You can use "sleight of hand" to describe a magician's tricks, as in, "The magician's act relied heavily on "sleight of hand"". Figuratively, it can describe a deceptive action, such as, "The company used accounting "sleight of hand" to hide their losses".

What phrases are similar to "sleight of hand"?

Alternatives include "legerdemain", "prestidigitation", or "deceptive maneuver" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "sleight of hands"?

No, the correct term is "sleight of hand". The word "hand" is used in a singular form even though it refers to the skill of using one's hands. "Sleight of hands" is not standard English.

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

"Sleight of hand" refers to the skillful manipulation of objects, often to create illusions, while a "magic trick" is the broader performance or routine that incorporates "sleight of hand" along with other techniques and showmanship.