subterfuge
SUB-ter-fyooj
/ˈsʌbtərfjuːdʒ/
Deceit used in order to achieve one's goal.
Specifically refers to a trick or a clever excuse used to escape a difficult situation or to hide one's true motives.
The story behind the word. The word literally means 'to flee underneath'. It suggests the image of someone ducking down or crawling under a barrier to escape detection. It is the art of 'sneaking away' from the truth or from a pursuer.
Word relationships
- deception: A broader term for making someone believe something that is not true.
- guile: Focuses on the quality of being sly or cunning.
- candor: The quality of being open and honest.
- forthrightness: Directness and honesty.
Commonly confused with
- sabotage: Sabotage is physical destruction; subterfuge is mental or social trickery.
Collocations
- resort to subterfuge
- elaborate subterfuge
- political subterfuge
- transparent subterfuge
Example sentences
- "The spy used a variety of subterfuges, including forged documents and elaborate disguises, to enter the country." Describing a spy's tactics.
- "The dictator relied on subterfuge and propaganda to maintain his grip on power." A historical analysis.
Memory hook
Think of a 'sub' (submarine) 'fleeing' (fuge) under the water to hide. Subterfuge is 'fleeing' (fuge) 'under' (subter) the radar.
When not to use
Do not use for a simple lie; it implies a more complex or strategic form of deception.
Fun facts
- The root 'fuge' is the same as in 'fugitive' and 'refuge'.
- Subterfuge is a key element in the 'Art of War' by Sun Tzu.
Related words
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