shell game

A deceptive scheme or trick, often involving sleight of hand, where something is hidden and moved around to confuse observers; also used metaphorically to describe any dishonest or misleading activity.

• 🇫🇷Tromperie ou tour de passe-passe, souvent réalisé avec des gobelets et une boule, consistant à cacher et déplacer un objet pour duper les spectateurs ; employé aussi au sens figuré pour toute manœuvre malhonnête ou action visant à induire en erreur.

1. Deceptive trick or fraud B2 informal

   A dishonest scheme or trick where something is hidden or moved to deceive someone, often used to swindle money.

   • The street performer was running a shell game to cheat tourists out of their money.
   • The investment turned out to be a shell game, with the funds disappearing.
   • Don't fall for his shell game; he's just trying to confuse you.

   🇫🇷Jeu de dupes

2. Literal game B1 formal

   A traditional gambling game where a pea or small ball is hidden under one of three cups or shells, which are then shuffled, and the player must guess its location.

   • He watched the shell game on the boardwalk, trying to follow the pea.
   • The shell game is often rigged to prevent players from winning.
   • She lost ten dollars playing the shell game at the fair.

   🇫🇷jeu des coquilles