sharp practice

Idioms  

1. Crafty or deceitful dealings, especially in business. For example, That firm's known for its sharp practice, so I'd rather not deal with them. This expression, first recorded in 1836, uses sharp in the combined sense of “mentally acute” and “cutting.”

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Example Sentences

It’s sharp practice to charge twice for the same problem.

From MarketWatch

Mr Castleton wants that settlement to be set aside, alleging it was fraudulently obtained involving "sharp practice" by the Post Office.

From BBC

Crypto trading has become identified by regulators and in the public mind as a haven for scams, theft and other forms of sharp practice.

From Los Angeles Times

"Debt management activities must be done in a fair and reasonable way at all times. Suppliers cannot extend unlimited credit to customers, but we will not tolerate sharp practice or aggressive debt collection."

From BBC

“That’s sharp practice,” Fflewddur muttered, “even for a king.”

From Literature

Related Words

• chicanery
• corruption
• criminality
• deceit
• duplicity
• falsehood
• fraud
• graft
• infidelity
• mendacity
• treachery
• trickery