finagle — to obtain something by using dishonest or devious methods; to manipulate or trick someone
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to obtain something by using dishonest or devious methods; to manipulate or trick someone
Pronunciation (IPA): /fɪˈneɪɡəl/
Example Sentences
- She finagled her boss into giving her a raise by working late every day for a month.
- My brother always finagles the best seat at family dinners by arriving early and 'accidentally' sitting there.
- The student tried to finagle extra time on the exam by claiming his pencil broke.
finagle
VERB[/fɪˈneɪɡəl/]
to obtain something by using dishonest or devious methods; to manipulate or trick someone
someone using dishonest and devious methods to manipulate the system for personal gain
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Early 20th-century American slang, possibly from the dialectal word 'fainaigue' meaning to cheat or renege on a deal. Some suggest a connection to German 'fein' (fine, clever) or Yiddish influence.
Breakdown
Single morpheme word - 'finagle' (to obtain by cleverness or trickery) - no clear prefix/suffix breakdown
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“She finagled her boss into giving her a raise by working late every day for a month.”
“My brother always finagles the best seat at family dinners by arriving early and 'accidentally' sitting there.”
“The student tried to finagle extra time on the exam by claiming his pencil broke.”
“Politicians often finagle their way out of difficult questions during interviews.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.