the same old trick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the same old trick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a familiar or repetitive method or tactic that someone employs, often with a sense of annoyance or predictability. Example: "He always tries to get out of trouble with the same old trick, but I see right through it now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

IT WAS always the same old trick.

The Economist

He is an old dog using the same old trick.

The New York Times - Sports

But another cautioned: "Sounds like the same old trick to me.

The New York Times

"And be careful, there will be efforts, the same old trick, to display large support for the Brotherhood in order to send a renewed message to the West that it is either dictatorship or the Brotherhood," he said, referring to Western fears that a rise to power of the Muslim Brotherhood could turn Egypt into an Islamic fundamentalist state.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Up to the same old tricks.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Every time a problem blows up, the government reaches for the same old tricks.

The New York Times

Mr. Ojeda refused to concede today, saying the PRI had used "the same old tricks" to win.

The New York Times

Officially, GDP grew by over 4%; Dragonomics reckons it actually declined by 1.5%.China's growth in the first quarter of this year has led some to conclude that the government is up to the same old tricks.

The Economist

Many in the industry claim Microsoft is up to the same old tricks.

Forbes

Always move forward and turn your audience on to new things instead of relying on the same old tricks.

Huffington Post

That was until a few months later, when I realised he was up to the same old tricks, only this time with a different girl – another tall brunette.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the same old trick" to convey familiarity or predictability, often with a hint of cynicism or weariness. It's most effective when the context makes it clear that the trick is not only repeated but also ineffective or annoying.

Common error

Avoid using "the same old trick" in formal or academic writing, as it carries a conversational tone. Opt for more neutral or analytical language like "a recurring strategy" or "a consistent pattern" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the same old trick" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in describing a repeated action or tactic. It serves to label a behavior or method as predictable and well-known.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the same old trick" is a noun phrase denoting a predictable and often tiresome method or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across varied contexts, primarily in News & Media. While its tone leans towards neutral to informal, its communicative purpose expresses familiarity and a hint of cynicism. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "recurring strategy" or "consistent pattern". Despite its limited frequency, understanding its nuances helps in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the usual tactic

Focuses on the method being a common or expected practice.

the typical ploy

Highlights the manipulative or strategic nature of the action.

the standard maneuver

Emphasizes the routine or established nature of the procedure.

the age old ruse

Highlights the long-standing and possibly outdated nature of the deception.

the same routine

Indicates a repetitive and predictable sequence of actions.

more of the same

Implies a continuation of previous actions or behaviors without change.

the same old story

Refers to a familiar and often undesirable situation or narrative.

the predictable outcome

Focuses on the expected and unoriginal result of an action or situation.

tried and true method

Highlights the long-standing and reliable nature of the approach, though possibly lacking innovation.

the well worn path

Implies a lack of originality by using a previously tread way of doing things.

FAQs

How can I use "the same old trick" in a sentence?

You can use "the same old trick" to describe a repetitive or predictable method someone uses, often with a negative connotation. For example, "He tried to get out of the assignment with "the same old trick", but the teacher didn't fall for it this time."

What's a more formal alternative to "the same old trick"?

For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "a recurring strategy", "a consistent pattern", or "a familiar tactic" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "the same old trick" always negative?

While often used with a negative connotation, implying annoyance or ineffectiveness, "the same old trick" can also be used neutrally simply to indicate that something is familiar or predictable without necessarily being bad.

What is the difference between "the same old trick" and "the same old story"?

"The same old trick" refers to a specific action or method that is repeated, while "the same old story" refers to a recurring situation or narrative.