do the trick

Idioms  

1. Also, turn the trick. Bring about a desired result, succeed. For example, One more turn with the wrench should do the trick, or Bill wanted to finish all the errands in one day but he couldn't quite turn the trick. The first expression dates from the early 1800s; the variant, from the first half of the 1900s; should not be confused with turn a trick.

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Example Sentences

These days, being a limelight-seeking senator, swing-state governor, or New York City real estate developer who used to host a reality TV show can do the trick.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

The state’s plan to fix things—including approving big rate increases to spur insurers to compete for customers—has so far failed to do the trick.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

You don't have to be a detective to find out, a quick internet search should do the trick.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2025

Lower interest rates by themselves probably won’t do the trick, economists say.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 22, 2025

She took the ticket stub from me, and thankfully it seemed to do the trick as she stopped nagging me.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Related Words

• achieve
• attain
• bring about
• carry out
• conclude
• do
• finish
• manage
• perform
• produce
• pull off
• reach
• realize
• score
• take care of
• win