English

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Alternative forms

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Noun

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box of tricks

  1. A box, suitcase, etc., used by a magician to carry stage paraphernalia.
  2. (figurative) Anything used to perform a specific task or achieve a particular goal; the means or apparatus used to accomplish something.
    • 1902 January 2, The Evening Telegraph, Charters Towers, page 3, column 2:
      Uncle Sam has found his box of tricks heavy, and is having a whiff before going on with his white man's burden to the end.
  3. (figurative) A crafty person.

Derived terms

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