dirty trick

noun

1. a malicious and contemptible action

2. (plural)

   1. underhand activity and machinations in political or governmental affairs

   2. ( as modifier )

      dirty-tricks operation

Example Sentences

In response, Ukraine said that Russia was playing "dirty tricks" and manipulating the facts.

From BBC

Now they're going to try that dirty trick on Medicare recipients, while refusing to even consider not slashing taxes on billionaires like Elon Musk.

From Salon

However, Musk himself has mocked the comparisons, stating on X: “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”

From Salon

Critics, including some historians, said it was a Nazi salute - Mr Musk has dismissed that, saying comparisons with Hitler were "tired" and "dirty tricks."

From BBC

After one account on X called the uproar a “hoax” and part of what Musk himself had once called a “dirty tricks campaign” against him by liberals, Musk reposted the comment.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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• playfulness www.thesaurus.com
• prank 
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• wrongdoing