🃏 Miss a Trick, Doesn’t/Not to 🃏
Definition
To not overlook a single opportunity to profit or succeed. This popularly used idiom has fascinating origins in card games, particularly whist, where a “trick” is a set of cards played in a round. The player who secures the highest number of tricks usually takes home the glory. The idiom crossed over into wider usage by the mid-20th century, capturing the essence of keen perception and sharpness. As Emma Lathen remarked in Murder Against the Grain (1967), “Those boys haven’t missed a trick.”
Similar Terms & Related Idioms
- Leave no stone unturned – Thoroughly investigating or exploring all possibilities.
- Seize the day (Carpe Diem) – Taking full advantage of the present moment.
- On the ball – Being alert, energetic, and quick to perceive new ideas.
- Up to scratch – Meeting the expected standards.
- Hit the nail on the head – To be precisely correct or accurate.
Antonyms
- Miss the boat – To fail to take advantage of an opportunity.
- Drop the ball – To make a mistake or miss an opportunity.
Humor-Filled Quotes
“I see you didn’t miss a single trick! Not even that one where you managed to snag the last slice of pizza! Nice job!”
“Being on the ball must make you dizzy! How do you manage to spin with all those opportunities?”
Reference in Literature
Example: In Emma Lathen’s Murder Against the Grain (1967), the phrase “Those boys haven’t missed a trick” encapsulates the sharp-wittedness of characters who always seem to capitalize on opportunities.
Songs & Movies
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor – Because nothing says “seizing opportunity” like a motivational anthem!
- “Catch Me If You Can” – A film that illustrates ingenious ways of not missing a single trick.
Classics to Ponder
- “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee – A book that’ll remind you of the importance of keen perception and moral integrity.
- “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald – High-stakes decisions where not missing a trick can lead to both glory and downfall.
Thought-Provoking Farewell 🌟
May you never miss a trick in your life’s game. Be astute, vigilant, and always ready to play your best hand.
