the oldest trick in the book
US /ðɪ ˈoʊldɪst trɪk ɪn ðə bʊk/
UK /ðɪ ˈoʊldɪst trɪk ɪn ðə bʊk/
1.
a very old and well-known method or trick that is still used, often to deceive someone
:
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Trying to distract me with flattery is the oldest trick in the book.
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He tried to use the oldest trick in the book to get a discount, but I saw right through it.