Back to Report
trick · noun C /trɪk/Full view
Nouns: trick, trickery
Adjectives: tricky
Verbs: trick
trick (DECEIVE)
B1 something you do to deceive or cheat someone, or to make someone look stupid as a joke
Dictionary examples:

She played a really nasty trick on me - she put syrup in my shampoo bottle!

It's trick photography - it looks like she's floating but she isn't really.

Learner example:

At my first lesson, Jim decided to play a trick [on] us! (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

trick (MAGIC)
B1 something that is done to entertain people and that seems to be magic
Dictionary examples:

a card trick

My niece likes to do magic tricks for us.

Learner example:

She [did] some magic tricks. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Korean)

trick (METHOD)
B2 an effective or quick way of doing something
Dictionary examples:

What's the trick to getting this chair to fold up?

On page 21, twenty tricks to speed up your beauty routine.

Learner example:

I like all kinds of sports: swimming, volleyball, football, bowling, golf, and so on. I hope that [by] joining your club I will learn all the rules and tricks of these sports. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

do the trick
C2 If something does the trick, it solves a problem or has the result you want.
Dictionary example:

If you have a headache, an aspirin will usually do the trick.

Learner example:

Using aromatherapy oil and scented candles always did the trick when she wanted to relax. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)

trick · verb T /trɪk/
Nouns: trick, trickery
Adjectives: tricky
Verbs: trick
trick
B2 to deceive someone
Dictionary example:

They tricked him into signing the papers.

Learner example:

After they explained everything to him, he then knew he was being tricked by them. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

Cambridge logo