tricks of the trade

trick of the trade

A skill associated with a particular job that makes one more proficient, often acquired through experience. You'll get better at taking dictation—you're a receptionist now, and it's a trick of the trade. When you're a pediatrician, being able to stay calm while dealing with panicked parents is a trick of the trade.

See also: of, trade, trick

tricks of the trade

Certain clever or ingenious skills, techniques, or methods used by professionals to do something more easily or efficiently. My uncle used to be a tailor, so he taught me all the tricks of the trade to alter a shirt. My accountant friend is showing me the tricks of the trade to pay as few taxes as possible on my income.

See also: of, trade, trick

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

*tricks of the trade

special skills and knowledge associated with any trade or profession. (*Typically: know ~; learn ~; show someone ~; teach someone ~.) I know a few tricks of the trade that make things easier. I learned the tricks of the trade from my uncle.

See also: of, trade, trick

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

tricks of the trade

Clever ways of operating a business or performing a task or activity, especially slightly dishonest or unfair ones. For example, Alma knows all the tricks of the trade, cutting the fabric as close as possible, or The butcher weighs meat after it's wrapped; charging for the packaging is one of the tricks of the trade .

See also: of, trade, trick

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

tricks of the trade

special ingenious techniques used in a profession or craft, especially those that are little known by outsiders.

See also: of, trade, trick

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

the ˌtricks of the ˈtrade

the clever or expert ways of doing things, especially used by people in their jobs: She’s only been here a couple of months, so she’s still learning the tricks of the trade.

See also: of, trade, trick

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

tricks of the trade

n. special skills and knowledge associated with any trade or profession. I know a few tricks of the trade that make things easier.

See also: of, trade, trick

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.