skin game

noun

1. a dishonest or unscrupulous business operation, scheme, etc.
2. any cheating or fraudulent trick.

skin game

noun

1. slang.
   a swindling trick

Word History and Origins

Origin of skin game¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

I suppose it's some parental promise she's made, or some skin-game buyer has been through here and threw a wrench in the gears.

From Project Gutenberg

And because grafters, shilabers, and skin-game artists follow circuses, the public thinks these are a part of it.

From Project Gutenberg

If I ever want to work any skin game I'll go out of the place where all my friends are.

From Project Gutenberg

Ye tried to kill a thousand-dollar bird by a skin-game, and I'll have it out of your hide.

From Project Gutenberg

"Th' fur trade ain't th' only skin game, young feller," he softly said.

From Project Gutenberg