shift the cut

shift the cut (third-person singular simple present shifts the cut, present participle shifting the cut, simple past and past participle shifted the cut)

1. To surreptitiously restore a deck of cards to their original sequence after having cut the deck.
   • 1902, S. W. Erdnase, Artifice, Ruse and Subterfuge at the Card Table: A Treatise on the Science and Art of Manipulating Cards

     In the average game where the players keep their hands, and arms also, on the table there is little opportunity to shift the cut.

   • 1949, John Scarne, Scarne on Cards

     The cards are slightly crimped, just enough to indicate to the cheater's sensitive fingers exactly where to shift the cut. This move cannot be made without a cover.