Definition

1. Noun:
   • Manual dexterity in the execution of tricks: Skillful and quick use of the hands, especially when performing magic tricks or illusions, designed to deceive the eye.
   • A deceptive or skillful trick or maneuver: Can refer to any clever act of deception or trickery, not limited to physical performance.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The magician's sleight of hand was so fast that no one could see how the coin disappeared.
  • The success of the card trick depends entirely on the performer's sleight of hand.
  • The contract was approved through political sleight of hand, hiding the true costs from the public.

Advanced Usage

• "More sleight of hand than substance": Used to describe something that is deceptive or illusory, lacking real value or truth.
  • The company's financial report was more sleight of hand than substance, designed to impress investors.

Variants and Related Words

• Sleight (noun, archaic): Cunning, trickery, or dexterity. (Note: Rarely used outside the phrase "sleight of hand").
• Prestidigitation (noun): Another term for magic tricks performed with the hands; conjuring.

Synonyms

• Legerdemain: Skillful use of the hands in conjuring; trickery. (Often used interchangeably with "sleight of hand").
• Deftness: Skill and quickness in movement.
• Trickery: The practice of deception.

Related Phrases

• A sleight-of-hand trick: A specific trick performed using this skill.
  • He performed an amazing sleight-of-hand trick with a ring and a handkerchief.

Related Idioms

• Sleight of hand and foot: A playful extension of the phrase, sometimes used to describe agility in sports or dance.
  • The soccer player's goal was a result of incredible sleight of hand and foot. (Note: This is a creative, non-standard adaptation of the core idiom).

Noun

1. manual dexterity in the execution of tricks