Idioms

every trick in the book

This page is about the idiom every trick in the book

Meaning

If someone uses every trick in the book to achieve something, they use any method available, even if it involves some deception.

For example

  • I begged her and promised her and tried every trick in the book to get her to agree, but she wouldn't change her mind.

  • Jose tried every trick in the book to get a copy of the exam paper, and eventually he got one by bribing a teacher.

Quick Quiz

Jeffrey tried every trick in the book to get Helen to go out with him because

a. she liked seeing magic tricks

b. he was too shy to ask her

c. he liked her a lot
a) she liked seeing magic tricks b) he was too shy to ask her c) he liked her a lot

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey