shell game
noun
Did you know?
The shell game, a swindling trick in which a small ball or pea is quickly shifted from under one to another of three walnut shells or cups to fool the spectator guessing its location, is a version of one of the oldest and most widespread forms of sleight of hand. Conjurers have performed this trick, which is also called the cups and balls trick and thimblerig, throughout the world for centuries. The version that became popular in the United States in the late 19th century used walnut shells and peas. Shell game thus became the popular term for the trick, and the trick itself became so well known that the term is now used figuratively to describe dishonest actions that are done to deceive people.
Examples of shell game in a Sentence
The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 21 Oct. 2025
Despite the political shell games being played by liberal Democrats, the media and even some Republicans, much of President Trump’s policy agenda has broad public support and is largely on track to succeed if enacted.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
This is a shell game — follow the ball as the three cups rotate.
—Alexander Ooms, Denver Post, 27 May 2025
Trump lawyers are 'throwing spaghetti against the wall' or are playing a 'shell game' to see what legal strategies work to defend his policies in court battles, experts say.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for shell game
Cite this Entry
“Shell game.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shell%20game. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy Citation
Share