box of tricks

idiom

The phrase "box of tricks" originated from magicians who carried their tools in a box. It has since evolved to describe various sets of tools or skills used to accomplish tasks.

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Definition

B2General

(informal)A collection of tools, techniques, or resources used to achieve a specific goal or solve a problem.

Example

The handyman opened his box of tricks to fix the broken pipe.

C1Professional

(informal)The items or tools available for use in a particular situation or profession.

Example

The engineer's box of tricks included various gadgets and devices for troubleshooting.

C1Electronics

(colloquial)A piece of equipment used in electronics, often referred to when the specific name is forgotten.

Example

He pulled out his box of tricks to fix the circuit board.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "box of tricks":

bag of tricks in a box puzzle box box in box up play tricks baby box box standard tuck box yellow box blue box black box box and lock parlour trick patch box shadow box flower box cardboard box box set fudge box box kick service box every trick in the book box off pink box bait box green box red box hat trick ticky box jump box brain trick hidden-ball trick fire box dispatch box knock out of the box box lunch cigar box mystery bag dirty trick