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
There’s a moral sleight of hand in this business — a way of justifying detachment as professionalism.
—
Rob Shuter, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
Some of his allies also advanced the idea that the earlier expression of misgivings had been a tactical sleight of hand intended to make the Iranians think an Israeli attack would not come.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 14 June 2025
What Flanagan — and King — do is a sort of slow sleight of hand that mimics the emotional journey of Charles Krantz.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 6 June 2025
That sleight of hand may have delighted shareholders, but was a major loss for music creators.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleight of hand
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.
Rob Shuter, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
Some of his allies also advanced the idea that the earlier expression of misgivings had been a tactical sleight of hand intended to make the Iranians think an Israeli attack would not come.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 14 June 2025
What Flanagan — and King — do is a sort of slow sleight of hand that mimics the emotional journey of Charles Krantz.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 6 June 2025
That sleight of hand may have delighted shareholders, but was a major loss for music creators.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sleight of hand
Cite this Entry
“Sleight of hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleight%20of%20hand. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share