Origin

This character combines metal (金) on the left with the character 兼, which means to combine or overlap. The right component 兼 also provides a sound hint for pronunciation. Together, the character pictures a metal tool—specifically a curved blade tool like a sickle or scythe used for cutting grain. The idea of "combining" or overlapping relates to how a sickle curves and gathers stalks together. The extended meaning of "trick" comes from the notion of something deceptive or cunningly combined, though this sense developed later in usage.