shell game

American  

noun

1. a sleight-of-hand swindling game resembling thimblerig but employing walnut shells or the like instead of thimblelike cups.

2. any deceit, swindle, fraud, or the like.

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shell game British  

noun

1. the US name for thimblerig

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Etymology

Origin of shell game

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

“There are thousands of ways to exploit these systems,” Cook said, dismissing security steps taken by election officials as a “shell game” and “smoke and mirrors to distract us.”

From Seattle Times

One person who is familiar with the box's movements and the investigation into it told CNN that federal investigators are suspecting a "shell game with classified documents."

From Salon

When the first new field appeared, speculation arose that China might be playing a shell game, moving a few missiles among many silos.

From Washington Post

Many American Internet and cable TV companies employ a shell game of limited-time promotions and hidden, variable service fees to get us to pay more over time.

From Washington Post

Many American internet and cable TV companies employ a shell game of limited-time promotions and hidden, variable service fees to get us to pay more over time.

From Seattle Times