miss a trick

miss a trick

To not take advantage of an opportunity or situation to gain some benefit for oneself. Almost always used in the negative to convey the opposite, meaning that one is opportunistic. Did you really try to make a quick buck during the hurricane? You never miss a trick, do you? Even the best salesmen miss a trick once in a while. You'll get the next one.

See also: miss, trick

not miss a trick

To always be alert to any situation or opportunity from which one can benefit or of which one can take advantage. When you're hiring a PR consultant, you want someone who won't miss a trick. My father doesn't miss a trick—any chance to make a quick buck, and he'll be there.

See also: miss, not, trick

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

miss a trick

Fig. to miss an opportunity or chance. (*Typically with the negative.) She hardly ever misses a trick. Mr. Big never misses a trick. How did a smart guy like you miss a trick like that?

See also: miss, trick

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.