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When someone tells you they are going to use their “bag of tricks,” they are not referring to a bag of magic tricks or looking to fool you in some way. This phrase is a figurative term of speech or an idiom that is popularly used today. To discover its true meaning and origin you need not look further than this article. You will also find some example sentences and conversations here to help you further understand how the phrase is used in context and see some alternative words or phrases that are synonymous with this phrase.
Bag of Tricks
Bag of Tricks Meaning
The idiomatic phrase “bag of tricks” means that someone possesses all the skills, tools, knowledge, etc. that are available in to complete a task or achieve goals successfully.
Origin of this idiom
The term “bag of tricks” comes from a book titled Grimm’s Fairy Tales written by the Brothers Grimm. The book was written in 1905. In the story, the fox is said to be the “…master of a hundred arts… and a sackful of cunning.” The fox boasts that he has the know-how to escape any situation, but when dogs chase the fox and the cat, the cat can escape by climbing a tree and the fox is not able to escape. This is where the phrase “bag of tricks” is believed to have originated from.
“Bag Of Tricks” Examples
Example Sentences
- I will have to use everything in my bag of tricks to make this project a success.
- My husband used his little bag of tricks to make our anniversary very special.
- Hotel managers are using a whole new bag of tricks to attract their guests.
- My car broke down. Let me see what I have got in my bag of tricks.
- Be careful not to stumble against that table, or you’ll upset the whole bag of tricks.
Example Conversations
A discussion between mother and daughter.
- Daughter: Mom, how do I get Billy to notice me?
- Mother: Why do you want him to notice you?
- Daughter: Duh, Mom! I like him!
- Mother: Oh, well in that case just use your bag of tricks.
- Daughter: I don’t think I have one of those.
- Mother: Don’t be foolish, girl. Every female has one of those when it comes to attracting men.
A discussion between two co-workers.
- Co-worker 1: This project is falling behind.
- Co-worker 2: It’s okay. I have a big bag of tricks that will help us catch up in no time.
Alternatives to “Bag Of Tricks”
Several words can be used to replace the idiomatic phrase “bag of tricks” in conversation. Some of the alternative words you can use include:
- Wisdom
- Knowledge
- Stratagem
What does “Bag Of Tricks” Mean? | Image
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