Some cheap tricks are likely (3)
I believe the answer is:
apt
'likely' is the definition.
('apt' can be similar in meaning to 'likely')
'some cheap tricks are' is the wordplay.
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'APT' is hidden within 'cheap tricks are'.
(Other definitions for apt that I've seen before include "Train" , "Suitable for Pat" , "To the point" , "Prone" , "Fit, suitable" .)