dirty trick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, used in everyday speech, journalism, and political discourse.
Quick answer
What does “dirty trick” mean?
A deceitful, unfair, or dishonourable action intended to harm, deceive, or gain an advantage over someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A deceitful, unfair, or dishonourable action intended to harm, deceive, or gain an advantage over someone.
In politics or competition, an unethical, covert, or manipulative tactic designed to sabotage an opponent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core meaning and usage are identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally negative in both, associated with betrayal, political skulduggery, or unfair competition.
Frequency
Slightly more common in political contexts in US English, but broadly used at similar frequencies.
Grammar
How to Use “dirty trick” in a Sentence
pull a dirty trick on [person]accuse [person] of a dirty trickIt was a dirty trick to [infinitive]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dirty trick” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He dirtied-tricked his way to the top. (Note: 'dirty-trick' as a verb is rare and highly informal, usually found in participle form 'dirty-tricking').
American English
- The opponent was accused of dirty-tricking during the debate.
adverb
British English
- They fought dirty-trickily to win the contract. (Note: This form is exceptionally rare and non-standard; 'fought dirty' is the standard adverbial phrase).
American English
- He played dirty-trick style throughout the competition.
adjective
British English
- They ran a dirty-tricks campaign against the incumbent MP.
American English
- The committee investigated dirty-trick tactics in the election.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describes unethical competitive practices, e.g., stealing clients via leaked information.
Academic
Used in political science to describe covert or unethical electoral tactics.
Everyday
Used when someone feels betrayed or cheated by a friend or colleague.
Technical
In magic/entertainment, may refer to a concealed method (less common).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dirty trick”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dirty trick”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dirty trick”
- Using it for minor, harmless pranks (overstatement).
- Incorrect article: 'He did dirty trick' (needs 'a').
- Confusing 'dirty trick' with 'dirty look'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an abstract noun referring to an action or tactic, not a physical item.
Not necessarily illegal, but it is always considered unethical, unfair, or dishonourable. Some dirty tricks can cross into illegality (e.g., fraud).
A practical joke (prank) is intended to be funny, with the target expected to laugh eventually. A dirty trick is intended to harm, deceive, or give the perpetrator an unfair advantage, causing anger or loss.
Rarely. Even among friends, it carries a strong negative connotation. One might say 'That was a dirty trick!' in mock outrage after a very clever and slightly unfair move in a game.
A deceitful, unfair, or dishonourable action intended to harm, deceive, or gain an advantage over someone.
Dirty trick is usually informal, used in everyday speech, journalism, and political discourse. in register.
Dirty trick: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɜːti trɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɜːrti trɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fight dirty”
- “play dirty”
- “dirty tricks campaign”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a magician who secretly trips his competitor before a show – that's not just a 'trick,' it's a DIRTY trick.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORALITY IS FILTH / COMPETITION IS WARFARE.
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best describes a 'dirty trick'?