manoeuvre
Definitions
A planned and controlled movement, especially of a vehicle, ship, or troops.
（车辆、船、部队的）操控动作，调遣；演习。
A clever or cunning plan or action to gain an advantage.
策略，手段，花招。
To move or guide skilfully into position.
（熟练地）操控，移动到位。
To manipulate or scheme cleverly to achieve something.
（巧妙地）谋划，运作。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin manu (by hand) + operari (to work) → Medieval Latin manuoperare, 'to work by hand,' which became French manœuvre. The literal 'handiwork' sense narrowed to 'a skilful, controlled move' — first of ships and armies, then of any clever maneuver. (US spelling: maneuver.)
Root man still carries 62 more wordsWhy It Means This
Manoeuvre and manure are surprising cousins: both come from manu operari, 'to work by hand.' Manure was originally the hand-labour of tilling soil; manoeuvre kept the 'skilful controlled action' branch. So a tricky political 'manoeuvre' is, etymologically, just careful handwork.
Usage Guide
Spelling splits by region: manoeuvre (BrE) vs maneuver (AmE). Pronounced /məˈnuːvə(r)/ — the 'oe' sounds like 'oo,' and the spelling trips up many learners.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The pilot performed a difficult landing manoeuvre in heavy wind.
- 2.
Parking in that narrow space took several careful manoeuvres.
- 3.
It was a clever political manoeuvre to split the opposition.