parlour trick

A "parlour trick" is a simple, often impressive act meant to entertain guests, typically in a social setting.

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Definition

B2Social Gatherings

(informal)An entertaining act or stunt performed to amuse guests.

Example

  • He amazed everyone with his card parlour trick at the dinner party.

C1Figurative

(figurative)A minor deception or superficial skill that impresses but lacks real significance.

Example

  • Her ability to predict the weather was just a parlour trick, based more on luck than skill.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "parlour trick":

parlour gameplay trickssleight of handbrain trickdirty trickhat trickbox of trickstrick playcheap trickbag of trickshidden-ball tricktrick shotevery trick in the book