# trick question

idiom

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

## Meaning

A question that attempts to elicit an answer in a certain way, usually incorrectly (i.e. that seems to have an obvious answer that is however incorrect), or a question that does not have a correct answer or that hides the real question or some difficulty.

## Examples

- Is that a trick question or are you serious?
- I thought the answer was obvious, but then I realized it was a trick question designed to confuse me.
- The professor posed a subtle trick question, intentionally leading the students toward a logical fallacy to test their critical thinking skills.

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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.