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

Just as Manning accelerated his growth through obsessive attention to detail, studying defenses and the sleight of hand of play-action artists like Boomer Esiason, Nix is more than willing to get bleary-eyed in the film room or pick the brain of future Hall of Famer Drew Brees. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 Sep. 2025

In that sleight of hand lies Netanyahu’s method: clarity would force a choice, while ambiguity keeps every option open. —Yonatan Touval, Time, 22 Aug. 2025

Bessent’s sleight of hand makes Treasury bond funds like the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) attractive. —Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

At No Comply, named for a skateboard move, unexpected sleights of hand shape each dish. —Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for sleight of hand

• ampersand
• beforehand
• behindhand
• bottomland
• contraband
• countermand
• dixieland
• fairyland
• fatherland
• firebrand
• hinterland
• motherland

Kids Definition

sleight of hand

1

: skill especially in juggling or magic tricks

2

: a magic or juggling trick requiring skill with the hands