legerdemain
/ˌlɛdʒərdəˈmeɪn/
noun
- Skillful use of the hands to perform tricks, especially magic tricks; sleight of hand.
- She practiced legerdemain for years to perfect her card tricks.
- The magician's legerdemain amazed the audience as he made a coin disappear.
- Street performers often rely on legerdemain to entertain crowds.
- Trickery or deception used to achieve a goal, especially in a clever or dishonest way.
- His explanation was pure legerdemain, designed to confuse rather than clarify.
- Through legal legerdemain, the company avoided paying taxes for years.
- The politician's financial legerdemain hid the true cost of the project from voters.