# Jedi mind trick

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/jedi-mind-trick
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A mental feat such as apparently inducing someone to act a certain way or reading someone's mind, achieved as if by magic or telepathy.

## Examples

- He used a Jedi mind trick to get me to buy lunch.
- The salesperson tried a Jedi mind trick to convince me that I needed the expensive upgrade.
- My toddler performed a Jedi mind trick on me by making me believe that eating ice cream for breakfast was actually my own brilliant idea.
- She employed a subtle Jedi mind trick, skillfully steering the conversation until I agreed to her terms without even realizing it.

## Origin

The term originates from the 1977 film Star Wars, in which members of the Jedi order manipulate the thoughts of others. The mechanism for this influence is the Force, a metaphysical power that allows the user to implant suggestions directly into a subject's mind. The Jedi employ the technique to ensure others act according to their specific wishes. Since the film's release, the phrase has entered the lexicon to describe various forms of psychological persuasion, though the modern user generally lacks the metaphysical advantages of the original cinematic source.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.