gimmick

• Nom désignant un procédé, un dispositif ou une astuce destiné à attirer l'attention ou à séduire, souvent sans valeur réelle ou de manière artificielle ; peut aussi désigner un objet indéterminé ou un défaut caché.

A noun referring to a clever maneuver, trick, or device used to attract attention or achieve a purpose, sometimes also denoting an unspecified item or a hidden drawback.

1. Hidden difficultyC1formal

   A drawback or difficulty that is not immediately apparent and may be overlooked.

   Difficulté cachée

   • The offer seemed generous, but there was a gimmick that made it less attractive.
   • Every investment has its own gimmick, so read the fine print carefully.
   • She warned him about the gimmick in the contract before he signed.
   • The product's low price hides a gimmick: it requires expensive replacement parts.

   Synonymescatchdrawbackhitchpitfallsnagtraptwist

2. Unspecified objectB2informal

   An item or thing whose name is forgotten, unknown, or deliberately vague.

   Truc, machin

   • Hand me that little gimmick on the shelf, please.
   • I need a gimmick to tighten this screw, but I can't remember what it's called.
   • He pointed to a gimmick in the corner and asked what it was used for.
   • The mechanic used a special gimmick to fix the engine.

3. Clever strategyB2informal

   Any clever maneuver or tactic, often used to gain an advantage.

   astuce stratégique

   • The politician's latest gimmick won him more supporters.
   • That marketing gimmick doubled their sales in a month.
   • He used a clever gimmick to distract the opponent during the game.
   • The comedian's signature gimmick always gets a laugh from the audience.

   Synonymesartificedevicedodgegambitmaneuverployrusestratagemtactictrick