the oldest trick in the book
Meaning: A very familiar trick that should not fool anyone.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “Pretending to be sick to skip the test is the oldest trick in the book.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: As if tricks were collected in a book, with this one on the first page. The phrase is common from the mid-20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Des grosses ficelles — literally: Thick strings
More idioms — Daily Life
- at cross purposes — To misunderstand each other or work toward conflicting goals.
- a Bible thumper — A person who is aggressively or tiresomely religious.
- be a doormat — To let others treat one badly without protest.
- thick as thieves — Very close friends who share secrets.
- a whole different ball game — A completely different situation.
- not mince one's words — To speak frankly, even bluntly.
More English idioms
- a slippery slope — A small step that leads to worse and worse consequences.
- snug as a bug in a rug — Very warm and comfortable.
- breathe down someone's neck — To watch someone too closely, or to be close behind them.
- champ at the bit — To be impatient to start.
- one swallow does not make a summer — One good sign does not mean things will continue that way.
- walk into the lion's den — To go deliberately into a dangerous or hostile place.
From our proverbs
- A scalded cat fears cold water. — Past trauma causes excessive caution even toward harmless situations resembling the origi…
- A sceptre is one thing, a ladle another. — Different tools suit different purposes; authority and domestic work require wholly disti…
- A mere scholar a mere ass. — Accumulated knowledge without practical judgment or common sense produces foolishness, no…