Word: Confidence Trick
Definition: A "confidence trick" is a type of scam where someone tricks another person into believing something that is not true, usually to take their money or property. The scammer gains the victim's trust (confidence) before deceiving them.
Usage Instructions: - Use "confidence trick" as a noun, often in discussions about scams, crime, or deception. - It can refer to various situations where trust is exploited.
Example: - "The man was arrested for running a confidence trick, convincing people to invest in a fake business."
Advanced Usage: - You might hear the term "con artist" which refers to a person who performs confidence tricks. - In a sentence: "She was a skilled con artist, always able to pull off confidence tricks without getting caught."
Word Variants: - "Confidence" (noun): Trust or belief in someone or something. - "Trick" (noun): A cunning act or scheme intended to deceive.
Different Meanings: - While "confidence trick" specifically refers to deception, "confidence" can also mean self-assurance or belief in one's abilities.
Synonyms: - Swindle - Scam - Fraud - Deception - Con
Idioms: - "Pulling the wool over someone's eyes": This means to deceive someone or to trick them. - "Selling a bill of goods": This means to persuade someone to buy something that is worthless or faulty, similar to a confidence trick.
Phrasal Verbs: - "Con someone out of": To trick someone into giving you something, often money. - Example: "He conned her out of her savings with a fake investment scheme."
By understanding the term "confidence trick," you can recognize when someone is trying to deceive you or others.