slang 10K+

Doing the powder trick

🇬🇧 UK //ˈduːɪŋ ðə ˈpaʊdə trɪk// 🇺🇸 US //ˈduɪŋ ðə ˈpaʊdɚ trɪk//

Meaning of Doing the powder trick

To pretend to engage in a task while actually avoiding it.

In simple words: Pretending to be doing something when you're not.

Doing the powder trick in a sentence

• He was just doing the powder trick to avoid helping with the chores.
• When she pretended to study but was really on her phone, she was doing the powder trick.
• They noticed him doing the powder trick during the meeting instead of paying attention.
• Don't fall for it; he’s just doing the powder trick again!
• She got caught doing the powder trick while everyone else was working hard.

How to use Doing the powder trick

Used informally, primarily among younger people. Situationally appropriate when discussing tricks or scams but may not be understood by older generations.

Grammar pattern

standalone phrase

Memory hint

Imagine blowing powder in the air to distract from what's really happening.

Related words

Collocations with Doing the powder trick

• doing the powder trick at work
• caught doing the powder trick
• master the powder trick

Synonyms for Doing the powder trick

• deceive
• fake
• trick
• mislead
• distract

Common mistakes with Doing the powder trick

• Misunderstanding it as a literal action instead of a metaphor.
• Using it in formal contexts where slang is inappropriate.

Frequently asked questions about Doing the powder trick

What does Doing the powder trick mean?

Pretending to be doing something when you're not.

What is the definition of Doing the powder trick?

To pretend to engage in a task while actually avoiding it.

How do you use Doing the powder trick in a sentence?

He was just doing the powder trick to avoid helping with the chores.

Can you give another example of Doing the powder trick?

When she pretended to study but was really on her phone, she was doing the powder trick.

What are synonyms for Doing the powder trick?

Common alternatives include deceive, fake, trick, mislead, distract.

What words go with Doing the powder trick?

It commonly pairs with doing the powder trick at work, caught doing the powder trick, master the powder trick.

What are common mistakes when using Doing the powder trick?

Misunderstanding it as a literal action instead of a metaphor. Using it in formal contexts where slang is inappropriate.

How do you pronounce Doing the powder trick?

US: //ˈduɪŋ ðə ˈpaʊdɚ trɪk//, UK: //ˈduːɪŋ ðə ˈpaʊdə trɪk//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Doing the powder trick formal or informal?

"Doing the powder trick" is slang, so it fits very casual settings and is usually avoided in writing.

When should I use Doing the powder trick?

Used informally, primarily among younger people. Situationally appropriate when discussing tricks or scams but may not be understood by older generations.