play a trick on

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But unbeknownst to the guesser, the group has decided to play a trick on him.

From Scientific American • Jun. 9, 2018

The therapist taught me breathing exercises and how to play a trick on my mind: as soon as I felt an attack coming on, I had to start a drill.

From The Guardian • Oct. 3, 2015

He used 2-D line drawings of women in dresses to show that horizontal stripes play a trick on our eyes, making people look taller and thinner.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2012

And all you have to do is play a trick on the desperate and jobless!

From Inc • Jul. 22, 2010

“The way to save Wilbur’s life is to play a trick on Zuckerman. If I can fool a bug,” thought Charlotte, “I can surely fool a man. People are not as smart as bugs.”

From "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White