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.
One way to minimize the misinformation problem is to perform a sleight of hand by suggesting that something else is the real or bigger problem. Sander Van Der Linden, Time, 6 May 2025 Think of it as sewing sleight of hand — no splashes involved. Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 Kitamura has been practicing such sleight of hand for a while. Emma Alpern, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025 Forty years later, Mr. Green has relied on business fundamentals rather than sleight of hand to make a colt named Sandman one of the favorites to win the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Joe Drape, New York Times, 3 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 24 May. 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
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