thimblerigging Definition
the act of swindling or cheating, especially by a sleight-of-hand trick.
Using thimblerigging: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "thimblerigging" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The police arrested the man for thimblerigging tourists on the street.
Example
He made a fortune through thimblerigging and other illegal activities.
Example
Thimblerigging is a common practice among street performers and con artists.
thimblerigging Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with thimblerigging
a gambling game in which a ball or pea is placed under one of three walnut shells or cups and the shells are then moved around rapidly, the object being to guess which shell the ball is under
Example
The shell game is a classic example of thimblerigging.
three-card monte
a gambling game in which the operator quickly shuffles three playing cards, one of which is marked, and the player must guess which card is marked after the cards have been laid face down on a table and moved around
Example
Three-card monte is another form of thimblerigging.
bait and switch
a deceptive sales tactic in which a customer is lured by an advertised bargain but is then persuaded to buy a more expensive item
Example
Bait and switch is a type of thimblerigging used by some dishonest retailers.
Origins of thimblerigging
from thimblerig, a game of chance played with three thimbles and a small ball, in which the operator performs tricks to deceive the player
Summary: thimblerigging in Brief
The term 'thimblerigging' [thim-buh r-ig-ing] refers to the act of cheating or swindling, often through sleight-of-hand tricks. It is commonly seen in street performers and con artists, as well as illegal activities. Thimblerigging includes games like 'shell game' and 'three-card monte,' as well as tactics like 'bait and switch.'
