subterfuge
Definitions
A deceptive trick, excuse, or strategy used to achieve a goal or conceal the truth
诡计，托词，蒙混的手段
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedsubter- (secretly, beneath) + fug (flee) = escaping by stealth. Originally it meant slipping out from under a charge or duty; over time it came to mean the trick or excuse you use to dodge the truth. Picture someone quietly ducking responsibility behind a clever story.
Root fug still carries 4 more wordsWhy It Means This
Subterfuge keeps the original feel of 'fleeing in secret.' Instead of openly facing a problem, you slip away under cover — but the escape is no longer physical, it's verbal or tactical. That's why a subterfuge is a sly excuse or maneuver: a quiet getaway from the truth, dressed up as something innocent.
Common Collocations
- 1.resort to subterfuge诉诸诡计
- 2.use subterfuge使用蒙骗手段
- 3.by means of subterfuge用欺骗的方式
- 4.elaborate subterfuge精心设计的骗局
Example Sentences
- 1.
They gained entry to the building by subterfuge, posing as inspectors.
- 2.
Rather than resort to subterfuge, she told her boss the plain truth.
- 3.
The whole scheme was an elaborate subterfuge to hide the losses.