trick of the light

noun phrase

: something appearing different from what actually is as a result of the quality of light
The paint looked blue, but it was just a trick of the light.

Examples of trick of the light in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There was a time when Marilyn Monroe emerged as an illusion, a trick of the light produced between herself, her studio’s massive press apparatus, and an adoring and vampiric public. Phillip MacIak, The New Republic, 9 June 2023 Sports, in this telling, is being used as a distraction, a sleight of hand, a trick of the light. Rory Smith, New York Times, 9 June 2023 Butterfly Valley, Fethiye, Turkey No, that isn’t a trick of the light but the 105 different butterfly species this beach is known for. Julia Buckley, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trick of the light.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near trick of the light

Cite this Entry

“Trick of the light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trick%20of%20the%20light. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.

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