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the oldest trick in the book
01
an overused method that may still succeed
What is the origin of the idiom "the oldest trick in the book" and when to use it?
The idiom "the oldest trick in the book" refers to a clever or deceptive tactic that has been used for a very long time and is well-known for its effectiveness. The phrase is used to imply that the trick or method in question is so widely recognized that it is no longer surprising or effective because it has been overused or is too obvious.
Example
When he attempted to convince his parents that he was sick to avoid going to school, they saw through it, saying it was the oldest trick in the book.
He literally used the oldest trick in the book and still won.
It was the oldest trick in the book - one man distracted me while another stole my wallet.
She didn't fall for his flattery because it was the oldest trick in the book to get what he wanted.
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