1
general::
Phrase(s): *the tricks of the trade
special skills and knowledge associated with any trade or profession. (*Typically: know ~; learn ~; show someone ~; teach someone ~.) • I know a few tricks of the trade that make things easier. • I learned the tricks of the trade from my uncle.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Clever ways of operating a business or performing a task or activity, especially slightly dishonest or unfair ones. For example, Alma knows all the tricks of the trade, cutting the fabric as close as possible, or The butcher weighs meat after it's wrapped; charging for the packaging is one of the tricks of the trade.
American Heritage Idioms