thimblerigger

Definition

Noun

1. A swindler or cheat: "thimblerigger" refers to a person who uses trickery or deception to swindle others, especially in gambling or games of chance. The term derives from the "thimblerig" con game, where a small ball is hidden under one of three thimbles or cups, and the operator manipulates the cups to deceive spectators into betting on the wrong cup.

Usage Examples

• (A swindler who deceives people in a gambling setup.)
• (A cheat who preys on others' greed.)

Advanced Usage

• "to act like a thimblerigger": to behave in a deceitful or manipulative manner.
  • The politician was accused of acting like a thimblerigger, twisting facts to win votes. (Using deception to gain an advantage.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thimblerig (n): the game or trick itself, involving three thimbles and a ball.

  • The thimblerig is a classic confidence trick that fools many people. (The deceptive game.)

• Thimblerigging (n): the act of performing the thimblerig trick or engaging in swindling.

  • Thimblerigging was once common at fairs and carnivals. (The practice of cheating through the thimblerig game.)

Synonyms

• Swindler: a person who uses deception to obtain money or property.
• Con artist: a person who tricks others by gaining their trust and then cheating them.
• Charlatan: a person falsely claiming to have special knowledge or ability.

Phrasal Verbs

• No common phrasal verbs are formed with "thimblerigger," as it is a specific noun.

Related Idioms

• “Play thimblerig”: to engage in a deception or trick.

  • He tried to play thimblerig with the investors, but they saw through his scheme. (He attempted to deceive them.)

• “Thimblerigger’s game”: a situation where deception is the primary method of operation.

  • The stock market can sometimes feel like a thimblerigger’s game for inexperienced traders. (A setting full of tricks and swindles.)