Question

shell game noun The shell game, a swindling trick in which a small ball or pea is quickly shifted from under one to another of three walnut shells or cups to fool the spectator guessing its location, is a version of one of the oldest and most widespread forms of sleight of hand. Conjurers have performed this trick, which is also called "the cups and balls trick" and "thimblerig," throughout the world for centuries. The version that became popular in the United States in the late 19th century used walnut shells and peas. "Shell game" thus became the popular term for the trick, and the trick itself became so well known that the term is now used figuratively to describe dishonest actions that are done to deceive people. 1 : thimblerig played especially with three walnut shells2 : fraud; especially : a swindle involving the substitution of something of little or no value for a valuable item

Accepted Answer

June 8, 2012 SHEL-GAYM The company has been accused of playing an elaborate shell game in which investors are the ultimate losers.  "Bill Abersold will perform magic with coins, cards, ropes and gimmicks and will demonstrate con tricks like the shell game and three-card monte." - From an event notice in The Press-Enterprise (California), May 22, 2012

Word	shell game
Date	June 8, 2012
Type	noun
Syllables	SHEL-GAYM
Etymology	The shell game, a swindling trick in which a small ball or pea is quickly shifted from under one to another of three walnut shells or cups to fool the spectator guessing its location, is a version of one of the oldest and most widespread forms of sleight of hand. Conjurers have performed this trick, which is also called "the cups and balls trick" and "thimblerig," throughout the world for centuries. The version that became popular in the United States in the late 19th century used walnut shells and peas. "Shell game" thus became the popular term for the trick, and the trick itself became so well known that the term is now used figuratively to describe dishonest actions that are done to deceive people.
Examples	The company has been accused of playing an elaborate shell game in which investors are the ultimate losers. "Bill Abersold will perform magic with coins, cards, ropes and gimmicks and will demonstrate con tricks like the shell game and three-card monte." - From an event notice in The Press-Enterprise (California), May 22, 2012
Definition	1 : thimblerig played especially with three walnut shells 2 : fraud; especially : a swindle involving the substitution of something of little or no value for a valuable item

Shell Game Walnut Trick Cups Version Popular Term