Tricky
ˈtrɪki
Definitions
3 meaningsRequiring skill, caution, or ingenuity; difficult to handle or deal with.
ˈtrɪki
Difficult to deal with or solve; requiring skill or caution.
The math problem was a tricky one.
💡 Simply: Something is tricky when it's hard to do or understand. Like, maybe you're trying to build a Lego castle and one part doesn't quite fit - that's tricky!
👶 For kids: Something that's tricky is hard to do or understand.
More Examples
Negotiating the contract proved to be a tricky process.
The terrain made for a tricky hike.
How It's Used
"The exam had some tricky questions."
"The politician faced a tricky situation with the new legislation."
"That's a tricky move; it could backfire."
Intended to deceive; deceitful; evasive.
ˈtrɪki
Deceptive or likely to deceive; evasive.
The con artist used a tricky scheme to defraud investors.
💡 Simply: If someone's being tricky, they're trying to fool you or hide something. It's like when a friend tries to hide your birthday present.
👶 For kids: When something's tricky, it's trying to fool you.
More Examples
His tricky answer to the question left everyone confused.
The marketing campaign employed some tricky language to attract customers.
How It's Used
"He employed some tricky tactics in the negotiation."
"She knew she was in a tricky spot after his confession."
Showing skill or cleverness, sometimes in a playful or showy way.
ˈtrɪki
Showy or skillful (in a playful way)
The basketball player's tricky passes helped the team win.
💡 Simply: When someone's being tricky, they're good at something. It's like doing a cartwheel.
👶 For kids: If you're tricky, you're good at something.
More Examples
The dancer performed some tricky steps.
The pilot managed a tricky landing in the stormy weather.
How It's Used
"The soccer player used a tricky move to get past his opponent."
"The singer's tricky vocal runs wowed the audience."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a tricky customer
Someone difficult to deal with or please.
"The hotel manager had to handle some tricky customers during the busy season."
get tricky
to become challenging or problematic.
"The negotiation began to get tricky."
From Middle English *trik*, from Old French *triquier* (“to deceive, trick”). Related to trick.
The word 'tricky' has been used since the late 16th century, initially to mean 'skilful, adroit'. Its meaning has evolved to include a sense of deceit and difficulty.
Memory tip
Think of a tricky puzzle that you need to solve, the goal is to complete it successfully.
Word Origin
"deceptive, skillful, or difficult"