The oldest trick in the book
Meaning
This phrase refers to a familiar, often simple and obvious, deceptive or manipulative tactic that has been used many times before.
Origin
The phrase "the oldest trick in the book" likely emerged from the idea of a comprehensive collection or manual of known tactics, particularly those used in deception, magic, or con artistry. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as publishing became more widespread, "books of tricks" were common, detailing everything from card illusions to confidence schemes. When a tactic became so common or obvious that it was universally recognized, it was dismissively referred to as "the oldest trick" within these hypothetical or actual collections. It became a colloquial way to describe any transparent or overused deception, implying that its mechanism was so well-documented and fundamental that it might as well be the very first entry in a historical compendium of such deceptions.
Examples
- He tried to convince me to pay him upfront for the repairs, but that's the oldest trick in the book; I always insist on payment upon completion.
- Offering a free sample and then pressuring you to buy the full product is the oldest trick in the book for many salespeople.