English edit

Etymology edit

From card games, where trick means “a sequence in which each player plays a card and a winning play is determined”.

Verb edit

miss a trick (third-person singular simple present misses a trick, present participle missing a trick, simple past and past participle missed a trick)

  1. To allow an advantageous opportunity to pass by.
    John managed to make a profit on that old car you sold him. He never misses a trick, does he?
    • 2005, A. Furnham, The People Business: Psychological Reflections on Management:
      Select someone who abuses children; select someone who fails to detect bombs; select someone who is an impostor; select someone who sabotages a plant; select someone who embezzles the company ... and you could be sued by the victims of the misdemeanor. You missed a trick and placed people in danger.

Usage notes edit

  • Often used in negative constructions.

References edit