French Conversation · Level 184
14 words
French word
manigancer
Pronunciation
IPA/manigɑ̃se/
Meaning
- verbplot
Example
Il manigance quelque chose.
He is plotting something.
More examples
Elle manigance dans l'ombre pour obtenir une promotion.
She is plotting in secret to get a promotion.
Core concept
A hidden hand adjusting small details so a situation turns out in someone's favor.
Common phrases
manigancer contre quelqu'un
plot against someone
manigancer dans l'ombre
plot in secret
Similar words
magouiller: To use shady tricks or deceit behind the scenes to gain an unfair benefit.
intriguer: To secretly plot to manipulate relationships or the course of events.
manœuvrer: To use calculated tactics to shift a situation in one's favor.
comploter: To secretly plan serious wrongdoing with other participants.
Definition in French
Organiser ou préparer des ruses, souvent à petite échelle, pour manipuler une situation en sa faveur.
Word origin
The verb comes from the French noun manigance, attested since Old French, and adds the regular -er verb ending.
Usage tips
- Manigancer carries a negative suggestion of sly or petty plotting, so organiser is more neutral for ordinary planning.
Other meanings
- schemeverb
- conspireverb
Related words
- maniganceschemenoun