dirty trick
Definition
Noun: 1. A deceitful or malicious act intended to harm or disadvantage someone: A "dirty trick" is an underhanded, unfair, or unethical action, often involving deception, designed to gain an advantage over an opponent or to cause them harm. It implies a lack of scruples or fair play. 2. A mean-spirited or cruel practical joke: In a less formal context, it can refer to a prank or joke that is intentionally hurtful or humiliating, going beyond good-natured fun.
Usage
The term "dirty trick" is commonly used in political, competitive, and personal contexts to describe actions that violate norms of fairness. It carries a strong negative connotation of dishonesty and malice.
Examples
- Political Context:
- The campaign was accused of using dirty tricks, such as spreading false rumors about the candidate's past.
- Leaking confidential documents to the press was seen as a political dirty trick.
- General/Personal Context:
- Hiding someone's keys as a joke is one thing, but spreading lies about them is a dirty trick.
- He felt betrayed when he discovered the dirty trick his business partner had played on him.
Advanced Usage
- "dirty tricks campaign/unit/department": A coordinated effort or a specific group dedicated to using underhanded methods, especially in politics or espionage.
- The scandal revealed the existence of a dirty tricks campaign within the organization.
Variants and Related Words
- Dirty-trickster (n, informal): A person who habitually uses or specializes in dirty tricks.
- Dirty pool (n, chiefly US, informal): Unfair or underhanded behavior; conduct that is not sportsmanlike.
Synonyms
- Deception: The act of deceiving someone.
- Stratagem: A clever scheme or maneuver, which can be neutral or underhanded.
- Skulduggery (or sculduggery): Underhanded or unscrupulous behavior; trickery.
- Chicanery: The use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose.
- Underhanded tactic: A method that is secret and dishonest.
Related Phrases
- Play a dirty trick on (someone): To perform a dirty trick targeting a specific person.
- I can't believe he played such a dirty trick on his own brother.
- Pull a dirty trick: To carry out a dirty trick.
- The competitor pulled a dirty trick to win the contract.
Related Idioms
- Low blow: An unfair or cruel comment or action.
- Bringing up his personal failures during the debate was a real low blow. (Conceptually similar as an unfair tactic intended to hurt.)
Noun
-
an unkind or aggressive trick
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