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Thimblerig for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: 'θɪmbəl,rɪɡ

What does Thimblerig really mean?

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Hey there! So, you want to know what "thimblerig" means, huh? Well, let me break it down for you in the simplest way possible!

Okay, imagine you have a table in front of you, and on that table, there are three little cups. Now, imagine someone secretly puts a small ball or object under one of those cups, and then shuffles them around really quickly. Your job is to keep your eye on the cup that has the hidden object. Sounds simple, right?

Well, my friend, that's basically what thimblerig is all about! It's a game, or rather a deception, where someone uses three cups (or sometimes shells or thimbles) to trick you into thinking you know where the hidden object is. The person manipulating the cups will move them around rapidly, making it difficult for you to keep track of the hidden object. It's like a magic trick that tests your observation skills!

Thimblerig can also be used as a metaphor for deception or trickery in other situations. Imagine you're playing a game with a friend, and they constantly shift their strategy, making it hard for you to anticipate their moves. They are "thimblerigging" you, trying to keep you off balance and guessing. Sneaky, right?

So, in a nutshell, my buddy, "thimblerig" means a game or deception involving three cups (or shells) where the goal is to find the hidden object. It's also used as a metaphor for trickery and deception in other contexts. Pretty cool, huh? Now you know what that word means!


Revised and Fact checked by Sarah Thompson on 2023-10-30 05:38:39

Thimblerig In a sentece

Learn how to use Thimblerig inside a sentece

  • Thimblerig is a game where a person hides a small object, like a coin or a pea, underneath one of three cups. Then, the person shuffles the cups around quickly to confuse the players, who have to guess which cup the object is under.
  • Sometimes, people use thimblerig as a way to cheat others. They might pretend to hide the object under one cup but secretly move it to another cup when nobody is looking. This can trick people into making the wrong guess.
  • Thimblerig can also be used as a metaphor to describe situations where someone is trying to deceive or trick others. For example, if someone promises to give you a great deal but actually gives you something of lesser value, they are thimblerigging you.
  • In old times, thimblerig was a popular street game played by hustlers. They would set up a table on the streets and invite people to bet money on finding the hidden object under the cups. However, the hustlers were very skilled and would always manipulate the cups to prevent anyone from winning.
  • Some magicians and performers include thimblerig in their acts to entertain the audience. They use their quick hand movements to confuse and amaze people as they try to keep track of the hidden object.

Thimblerig Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Thimblerig Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.