box of tricks
1. The items that one has available for use. The phrase originally referred to the items a magician would use for magic tricks. Let's see what I have in my box of tricks to entertain the baby. Do you have any ideas for how I can get the dog to come outside in the rain? Treats and toys didn't work, and that's all I had in my box of tricks. You need a whole box of tricks on hand when you're flying with a toddler.
2. The skills that one has available for use. She's an ace negotiator, so you know she has a few more surprises in her box of tricks. The legal team used their whole box of tricks, but in the end they weren't able to prevent a guilty verdict. Our new pitcher has a killer fastball in her box of tricks.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.