What does “Trick of the trade” mean?
"Trick of the trade" means a clever or secret method or technique used in a particular profession or field.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He taught me a trick of the trade for fixing a leaky faucet.
Example
The chef shared a trick of the trade for making the perfect soufflé.
Example
As a seasoned salesperson, she knew all the tricks of the trade to close a deal
Is “Trick of the trade” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Trick of the trade” 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 “Trick of the trade” effectively in context?
You can use "Trick of the Trade" to refer to a clever or secret method or technique used in a particular profession or field. It emphasizes the idea of insider knowledge or expertise. For example, if someone shares a useful tip for fixing a leaky faucet, you might say, 'Thanks for teaching me that "trick of the trade"!'
- 1Home Improvement
He taught me a trick of the trade for fixing a leaky faucet.
- 2Cooking
The chef shared a trick of the trade for making the perfect soufflé.
- 3Sales
As a seasoned salesperson, she knew all the tricks of the trade to close a deal.
Similar phrases to “Trick of the trade”:
A clever or unconventional method or technique used by professionals in a specific field
Example
He shared a professional hack for organizing emails more efficiently.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Trick of the trade” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Trick of the Trade" is unknown.
Is “Trick of the trade” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Trick of the Trade" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation, especially in professional or specialized contexts. People often use it to share or discuss insider knowledge or techniques related to a specific field or profession.
What tone does “Trick of the trade” have?
"Trick of the Trade" conveys a tone of sharing and expertise. It's often used to highlight valuable insights or tips that can be helpful in a particular profession or field.
Can “Trick of the trade” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Trick of the Trade" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of sharing insider knowledge or techniques. You can use it in conversations with colleagues, professionals, or even in more formal situations such as presentations or meetings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He taught me a trick of the trade for fixing a leaky faucet.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That's a great "trick of the trade"!' to acknowledge a useful tip.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- insider knowledge
- expert technique
- specialized skill
- professional know-how
- industry secret
Antonyms
- common knowledge
- general technique
- basic skill
- public information
