the oldest trick in the book
US /ðɪ ˈoʊldɪst trɪk ɪn ðə bʊk/
UK /ðɪ ˈoʊldɪst trɪk ɪn ðə bʊk/

1.
手垢のついた手口, ありふれた手口
a very old and well-known method or trick that is still used, often to deceive someone
:
•
Trying to distract me with flattery is the oldest trick in the book.
お世辞で私をそらそうとするのは、手垢のついた手口だ。
•
He tried to use the oldest trick in the book to get a discount, but I saw right through it.
彼は割引を得るために手垢のついた手口を使おうとしたが、私はすぐに見抜いた。