Word: Three-card monte
Definition:
Three-card monte is a gambling card game that originally comes from Spain. In this game, three cards are placed face up, and the player has to guess which card has a specific item (like a ball or a coin) underneath it after the cards are shuffled. The goal is to find that card.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "three-card monte" when talking about gambling games or when describing a type of trick or deception. It is often used to refer to a situation where someone is trying to mislead others, similar to how the game tricks players.
Example Sentence:
"I was fooled by the street performer playing three-card monte; I thought I knew where the ball was, but I lost my money!"
Advanced Usage:
The term "three-card monte" can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is trying to deceive or trick others, especially in a way that seems clever or skillful.
Example Sentence (Advanced):
"The politician's promises felt like a three-card monte; they were full of tricks that left the voters confused about what was real."
Word Variants:
- Three-card monte (noun) - the game itself - Three-card monte player (noun) - someone who plays the game or performs it to trick others
Different Meanings:
While "three-card monte" primarily refers to the card game, it can also imply a broader concept of trickery or deception in various contexts.
Synonyms:
- Card trick - Shell game (another game of deception using shells or cups)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "three-card monte," but you might encounter phrases like "pull a fast one," which means to trick someone, similar to how three-card monte operates.
Summary:
"Three-card monte" is not just about a card game; it also symbolizes deception and trickery.