1. a shortcut or a fast and effective way of doing something
Professional
Social
learn the tricks of the trade
This expression refers to special skills, techniques, or methods used by professionals to do something in a quicker, easier, or more efficient way. These special skills are learned or picked up through experience as part of doing one's job or performing a task or activity regularly. They tend to be associated with a particular trade or profession and are little known by outsiders. It can be used negatively, such as when referring to taking a shortcut to do something rather than being thorough. The expression is used mainly in a professional context and is similar to the phrases 'know-how,' and 'business savvy.'