the oldest trick in the book

the oldest trick in the book

A method of deception, or of addressing some issue, that is well-known or has been used for a long time. Selling tourists fake artifacts is the oldest trick in the book—please don't fall for that one. Look, you can fix it by threading a paper clip through the hole. Oldest trick in the book!
See also: book, old, trick
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the oldest trick in the book

If you call a dishonest or unfair action the oldest trick in the book, you mean that people should have expected it because it is a very common thing that people do. Well, that's the oldest trick in the book — to blame someone else for your problems. He's using the children to persuade people to part with their money. Oldest trick in the book.
See also: book, old, trick
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

the oldest trick in the book

a ruse so hackneyed that it should no longer deceive anyone.
See also: book, old, trick
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a fast one
  • fast one
  • play a prank (on one)
  • play a trick (on one)
  • play a trick on
  • play tricks on
  • prank
  • pull a hoax (on someone)
  • pull a prank (on someone)
  • pull a trick (on someone)
References in periodicals archive
GORDON Ramsay tries the oldest trick in the book as he goes incognito by using a grandad disguise.
Gordon Grampsay
Shiels said: "The attention was all on Fraser but there were six or seven worse challenges on James Dayton.Neither of the challenges warranted bookings because the oldest trick in the book is to hit the ball too far in front and run into the defender.
Kenny throws book at whistler
Accordingly, a silly concept occupied the minds of some classes that they could have their rights through the oldest trick in the book; strikes and sit -ins.
When the bankrupt are pushed to pay
The father-of-two used the oldest trick in the book, going public with his indiscretions in an "exclusive" newspaper deal before he could be exposed by another publication.
Take that and party - then sell your confession
CESC FABREGAS has fallen for the oldest trick in the book.
ABSOLUTELY FAB; BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE FAR POST LIVERPOOL v WIGAN ATHLETIC, IN BITS TODAY 3PM
What is the oldest trick in the book? Why can't you tickle yourself?
BOOKS: CHILDREN'S BOOKS; Why Eating Bogeys is Good For You by Mitchell Symons. Doubleday. pounds 7.99. Reviewed by JAYNE HOWARTH
In order to restore it, she used the oldest trick in the book - patriotism.
Letter: YOUR SHOUT - War helped Thatcher win
Foucault, they show, fell for the oldest trick in the book: If we're bad, they must be good.
His own private Iran: David Farber on Foucault and Khomeini
Brenda Swanson - playboy Steve Bing's new love - said Hurley falling pregnant was "the oldest trick in the book".
Bing's latest lover hurls abuse at Liz
I'd fallen for the oldest trick in the book, trying to feed poverty of the spirit with material things.
Light in a season of darkness
It was the oldest trick in the book. A femaleSoviet agent seduced and then recruited U.S.
"Do you want any more secret documents put in the safe, Mr. ambassador? "No, Ivan, that's all for tonight." (U.S. marine and espionage)
"We all know this is the oldest trick in the book to avoid getting caught after drinking with mates.
Police warn of underage drink blight
In desperation many are turning to poaching clients from their competitors using the oldest trick in the book: the free website appraisal.
e-business: Be warned of free site appraisals
It's the oldest trick in the book and millions of suckers will fall for it.
Fury may pay for cheap talk
A suspicion which was stoked in no small way by TV's poshest soap turning to the oldest trick in the book of soap cliches - the dramatic fire.
Downton looks all burned out