What does “Sleight of hand” mean?
"Sleight of hand" means a clever and skillful trick or deception, especially involving quick and nimble hand movements.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The magician amazed the audience with his sleight of hand tricks.
Example
He used sleight of hand to make the coin disappear.
Example
The pickpocket used sleight of hand to steal the wallet without anyone noticing
Is “Sleight of hand” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Sleight of hand” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Sleight of hand” effectively in context?
You can use "Sleight of Hand" to describe a clever and skillful trick or deception, especially involving quick and nimble hand movements. For example, if someone is impressed by a magician's tricks, you could say, 'The magician amazed the audience with his sleight of hand.'
- 1Magic Show
The magician wowed the crowd with his sleight of hand tricks.
- 2Pickpocketing
The thief used sleight of hand to steal the wallet without anyone noticing.
- 3Deception
He used sleight of hand to make the coin disappear.
Similar phrases to “Sleight of hand”:
Smoke and mirrors
A deceptive or misleading tactic or strategy
Example
The politician used smoke and mirrors to distract from the real issues.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Sleight of hand” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Sleight of Hand" is unknown. It has been used since the 16th century to describe the skillful and deceptive hand movements used by magicians and performers to create illusions and tricks.
Is “Sleight of hand” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Sleight of Hand" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation, especially when talking about magic tricks or deceptive actions. It is well-known and understood by native English speakers.
What tone does “Sleight of hand” have?
"Sleight of Hand" conveys a tone of admiration and fascination. It is often used to describe impressive and skillful actions that deceive or entertain others.
Can “Sleight of hand” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "sleight of hand" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a specific type of skill and deception. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or in more formal contexts such as discussing magic performances or describing clever maneuvers in professional settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The magician amazed the audience with his sleight of hand.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Impressive "sleight of hand"!' to express admiration for someone's skillful actions.
