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chicanery

Noun

IPA /ʃɪˈkeɪnəri/

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Meaning in plain English

The use of clever tricks or complicated schemes to deceive people.

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Pronunciation

chicanery/ʃɪˈkeɪnəri/

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A contract appears straightforward
A dishonest seller hides extra charges
The buyer pays more than expected

Hidden charges and deceptive paperwork can be forms of chicanery.

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The detective uncovered the chicanery behind the fake competition.
The audit exposed financial chicanery in the fictional company's accounts.

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The detective uncovered the ________ behind the fake competition.

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chicanery — The use of clever tricks or complicated schemes to deceive people.

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The use of clever tricks or complicated schemes to deceive people.

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Word origin

Borrowed from French chicanerie, related to chicaner, meaning to quibble.

Did you know?

Chicanery is usually uncountable and often appears in descriptions of dishonest dealings.

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