a clever evasion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clever evasion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone skillfully avoids a question or responsibility, often in a witty or intelligent manner. Example: "His response was a clever evasion that left everyone in the room impressed by his quick thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is from observing her that Tom Ripley Matt Damonn), a clever, insecure young social climber, begins to learn the self-deprecatory tics and evasions necessary for impersonating someone really rich.

The Guardian - Film

Better than a clever man?

University of Pennsylvania

A clever idea.

The Guardian - Tech

"She was a clever woman".

Independent

It's a clever solution.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maisie is a clever girl.

The New York Times

Sounds like a clever concept.

The New York Times

"It is a clever monster.

The New Yorker

"What a clever idea!

The New York Times

He seems a "clever" coach.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a clever argument.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a clever evasion", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being avoided. The effectiveness of the phrase relies on the audience understanding the underlying situation.

Common error

While "clever" suggests intelligence, be mindful that using "a clever evasion" to describe a deceitful or harmful act can come across as condoning the behavior. Ensure the tone matches the ethical implications of the evasion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever evasion" functions as a noun phrase, where "clever" is an adjective modifying the noun "evasion". As stated in Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. However, there are no exact examples available in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a clever evasion" describes a skillful avoidance of a question, responsibility, or difficult situation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability in English. While there are currently no direct examples in the Ludwig database, related phrases such as "a smart dodge" or "an artful avoidance" can provide contextual understanding. Ludwig AI has determined that it is used to skillfully avoid a question or responsibility, often in a witty or intelligent manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smart dodge

Emphasizes the intelligence used to avoid something, focusing on the act of dodging itself.

an artful avoidance

Highlights the skill and grace involved in avoiding something, suggesting a sophisticated approach.

a skillful sidestep

Focuses on the dexterity and precision required to avoid something, implying a quick and subtle movement.

a deft maneuver

Highlights the adroitness and strategic thinking used to avoid something, suggesting a planned approach.

an ingenious escape

Emphasizes the cleverness and resourcefulness used to avoid something, focusing on the act of escaping a difficult situation.

a strategic retreat

Highlights the planning and purpose behind avoiding something, suggesting a calculated withdrawal.

a tactical withdrawal

Similar to "a strategic retreat", but perhaps implying a more immediate and reactive decision.

a well-reasoned pretext

Highlights providing a good-sounding excuse as a way of avoiding something.

a politic response

Highlights responding with a way of avoiding something by considering the response's impact on a social situation.

a diplomatic solution

Highlights resolving a problem, question, or difficulty with sensitivity to social implications as a way of avoiding something.

FAQs

How can "a clever evasion" be used in a sentence?

You might say, "The politician's response was "a clever evasion", designed to avoid answering the difficult question directly." or "Faced with the accusations, he employed "a clever evasion" to protect his reputation".

What are some alternatives to "a clever evasion"?

Consider using phrases like "a smart dodge", "an artful avoidance", or "a skillful sidestep" as alternatives to "a clever evasion", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a clever evasion" always a negative thing?

Not necessarily. While evasion often implies avoiding responsibility or truth, "a clever evasion" can also describe a situation where someone skillfully avoids conflict or navigates a tricky situation with intelligence. The context determines whether it's positive, negative, or neutral.

What distinguishes "a clever evasion" from a simple lie?

"A clever evasion" is a way of avoiding an issue or truth, often through indirect or artful means, but does not necessarily involve a direct falsehood. A lie, on the other hand, is a direct statement that is known to be untrue. An evasion dances around the truth, while a lie directly contradicts it.