trick in itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trick in itself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is inherently deceptive or misleading on its own, without needing additional context. Example: "The puzzle was a trick in itself, designed to confuse even the most experienced players."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So the fact that the MPS could reach 62mph in 6.1 seconds and stay with every German übersaloon flat-out on the autobahn (an amusing trick in itself), counted for little when man and machine were in such disharmony.

Independent

To design a mechanical device to move like a human or animal was a trick in itself and to build the gears and rods necessary to propel the thing was even trickier.

TechCrunch

This is not a trick in itself, but the ability to palm a card is an essential element of many tricks and manipulations.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

2. Learn about a recent computer threat by reading and discussing the article "Old Virus Has a New Trick: Mailing Itself in Quantity".

The New York Times

2. As a class, read and discuss the article "Old Virus Has a New Trick: Mailing Itself in Quantity," focusing on the following questions: a.

The New York Times

Resources / Materials: -student journals -pens/pencils -paper -classroom board -copies of "Old Virus Has a New Trick: Mailing Itself in Quantity" (one per student) -computers with Internet access (one per group) Activities / Procedures: 1. WARM-UP/DO-NOW: Students respond to the following prompt in their journals (written on the board prior to class): "List the top four ways you use a computer.

The New York Times

It can trick itself out in jeggings and mankinis, but the public still pictures it wearing a bow tie and a seersucker suit.

The New York Times - Books

Declarer lost one trick in each suit.

The New York Times

An impressive trick in the DVR age.

The New York Times

Oldest trick in the book".

The Guardian - Film

Hurricane Floyd did the trick in 1999.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trick in itself" when you want to emphasize that something is notable, difficult, or deceptive without needing additional context or support. It suggests a complete and inherent quality.

Common error

Avoid using "trick in itself" too frequently in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in those settings. Simpler expressions might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trick in itself" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a predicate nominative or appositive. It describes something as being inherently deceptive or a significant achievement without additional context. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, highlighting its descriptive capability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trick in itself" is grammatically correct but relatively rare in usage, primarily appearing in News & Media and Wiki sources. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase effectively emphasizes that something is inherently deceptive, notably difficult, or a remarkable achievement on its own. While suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts, it might be less appropriate for very casual conversations. Alternatives such as "a feat on its own" or "inherently deceptive" can be used depending on the specific nuance required. Overall, it’s a descriptive phrase useful for highlighting intrinsic qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a self-sufficient trick

Underscores the ability of the trick to function independently.

a deception by itself

Highlights the misleading nature of something without external factors.

a feat on its own

Focuses on the accomplishment aspect, emphasizing the difficulty and success of something standalone.

intrinsically misleading

Similar to inherently deceptive, focusing on the built-in deceptive quality.

inherently deceptive

Emphasizes the intrinsic quality of being misleading.

self-contained ruse

Stresses that the trickery is complete and independent.

an independent sleight of hand

Highlights the skill and autonomy of the deceptive action.

a standalone artifice

Highlights the skillful and deceptive nature of something independent.

a challenge in its own right

Emphasizes that something is difficult and demanding on its own merits.

a noteworthy achievement alone

Shifts focus to the positive aspect of accomplishment without external help.

FAQs

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

You can use "trick in itself" to describe something that is inherently deceptive or surprisingly difficult on its own. For example, "Designing the robot's movements was a "trick in itself", requiring extensive programming".

What does "trick in itself" mean?

"Trick in itself" suggests that something is either inherently deceptive or a remarkable achievement by its own nature, without external factors contributing significantly.

Is "trick in itself" formal or informal?

"Trick in itself" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While understandable in most contexts, simpler phrasings might be preferable in very informal settings.

What are some alternatives to "trick in itself"?

Alternatives include "a feat on its own", "inherently deceptive", or "a challenge in its own right", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.