subterfuge
SUB-ter-fyooj
/ˈsʌbtərfjuːdʒ/
Deceit used in order to achieve one's goal.
Subterfuge implies a clever, often complex trick or a secret way of doing something to avoid notice.
The story behind the word. Literally 'to flee secretly' or 'to flee underneath'. It evokes the image of someone escaping through a secret basement tunnel to avoid being caught.
Word relationships
- trickery: Trickery is more general; subterfuge sounds more sophisticated and calculated.
- forthrightness: The quality of being direct and outspoken.
Commonly confused with
- pretext: A pretext is the fake reason you give; subterfuge is the actual trick you use to get what you want.
Collocations
- resort to subterfuge
- elaborate subterfuge
- political subterfuge
Example sentences
- "The agent used a variety of subterfuges, including fake IDs and disguises, to enter the facility." Describing a spy mission.
- "'It was a clever subterfuge,' remarked Holmes, 'but not quite clever enough to deceive me.'" From 'The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes'.
Memory hook
Sub-ter-fuge: Like a 'Sub' (underwater) 'Fugitive'—hiding and fleeing. Sneaking out the back door.
When not to use
Do not use 'subterfuge' for a simple lie; it suggests a more elaborate 'spy-like' scheme.
Fun facts
- The word 'fugitive' and 'centrifuge' share the same 'fugere' (to flee) root.
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