legerdemain
UK: ˌlɛdʒədɪˈmeɪn | US: ˌlɛdʒərdəˈmeɪn
n. skillful use of one's hands when performing conjuring tricks; sleight of hand
n. (figurative) clever or deceptive skill in reasoning or argument
legerdemain = leger<light> + de<of> + main<hand>
- leger (from Old French leger, meaning "light" or "nimble")
- de (from Old French de, meaning "of")
- main (from Old French main, meaning "hand")
Etymology Origin:
The word legerdemain originates from Middle French léger de main, literally translating to "light of hand." This reflects the agility and subtlety required in sleight-of-hand magic tricks. The term entered English in the 15th century, initially describing literal manual dexterity in magic and later extending metaphorically to clever or deceptive reasoning.
The magician's legerdemain left the audience in awe.
His financial success was achieved through legerdemain rather than honest work.
The politician’s legerdemain with statistics misled the public.
She used legerdemain to switch the cards unnoticed.
The con artist relied on legerdemain to deceive his victims.