sleight of hand

noun phrase

1
a
: a cleverly executed trick or deception
b
: a conjuring trick requiring manual dexterity
2
a
: skill and dexterity in conjuring tricks
b
: adroitness in deception

Examples of sleight of hand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its greatest sleight of hand is in its depiction of the assault and its aftermath. Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 27 June 2025 That rhetorical sleight of hand would become characteristic. Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 There was a little movie magic going on, obviously, a little bit of sleight of hand, but there was no fancy VFX. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 30 May 2025 Quite a creative sleight of hand: President Trump, upon taking office, aggressively blocked the burgeoning national charging program called NEVI, stopping already promised funding. Paul G. Pinsky, Baltimore Sun, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sleight of hand

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleight of hand was in 1593

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sleight of hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleight%20of%20hand. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

sleight of hand

1
: skill especially in juggling or magic tricks
2
: a magic or juggling trick requiring skill with the hands
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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