a genius move

USAGE SUMMARY

"a genius move" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone's clever and successful action in a given situation. For example: "The CEO's decision to invest in a new production line was a genius move and really improved the company's profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Technology

Food

Music

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It's a genius move.

The Guardian - Tech

This was a genius move on Ms. Scott-Sho's part.

The New York Times - Food

Hartley's appointment was a canny, daring – hell, maybe even a genius – move.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a genius move from DiCicco to put Chastain fifth and ask her to use her left foot.

The Guardian - Sport

If Farrell is that smart (he's definitely smarter than Pineda, this we know), well, that's a genius move.

The Guardian - Sport

"I really have to tip my hat to him -- that was a genius move," Mr. Turley said.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"This is a characteristically genius move for Roger Ailes," said Bob Sherman, a friend of Mr. Imus's and one of his former bosses.

The New York Times

Greeting me at the entrance to the convention was a Stumptown coffee kiosk, which was a pretty genius move: get the already-excited attendees hopped up on caffeine from the very beginning.

Vice

as their lead questioner, which Mayer and Abramson reported was a politically genius move on the part of Hatch and Danforth.

Huffington Post

A pretty genius move - this ensures that followers have to be in auditing for, well, the rest of eternity.

Vice

The staff members of Idolator showed high favoritism for the acclaimed the campaign, further stating the fact that "when Beyonce tells people to dance, they tend to listen" and so they considered that it was "a pretty genius move" on Michelle Obama's part to get Knowles in on her 'Let's Move!' campaign to fight childhood obesity.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a genius move" when you want to emphasize the exceptional cleverness and effectiveness of a particular action or decision. It's suitable for describing strategies that yield significant positive results.

Common error

Avoid using "a genius move" to describe ordinary or slightly clever actions. Reserve it for situations where the action truly demonstrates remarkable insight and produces a substantial benefit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a genius move" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object complement. It describes a particular action or decision, characterizing it as exceptionally clever and effective. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Sports

17%

Technology

8%

Less common in

Food

4%

Music

4%

Lifestyle

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a genius move" is a commonly used phrase that describes an exceptionally clever and effective action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It typically functions as a noun phrase, expressing admiration for strategic choices. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it’s important to reserve it for situations genuinely demonstrating remarkable insight and substantial benefits. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Sports contexts, highlighting its broad applicability across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brilliant strategy

Emphasizes the strategic aspect of the action.

a clever tactic

Highlights the ingenuity and smartness behind the action.

an inspired decision

Focuses on the creative and insightful nature of the choice.

a masterstroke

Implies exceptional skill and effectiveness in the action.

a stroke of genius

Highlights the brilliance and inventiveness of the action.

a shrewd maneuver

Focuses on the cunning and practical nature of the action.

a strategic play

Emphasizes the calculated and deliberate nature of the action.

a well-played hand

Suggests skillful handling of a situation, like in a game.

an ingenious plan

Highlights the inventiveness and cleverness of the strategy.

a visionary approach

Implies forward-thinking and innovative nature.

FAQs

How can I use "a genius move" in a sentence?

You can use "a genius move" to describe a decision or action that demonstrates exceptional intelligence and yields significant positive results. For example, "Hiring a social media manager was "a genius move" that greatly increased our online presence".

What can I say instead of "a genius move"?

You can use alternatives like "a brilliant strategy", "a clever tactic", or "an inspired decision" depending on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "a genius move" in formal writing?

Yes, "a genius move" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, but ensure that the context warrants such a strong description. It's generally acceptable in news articles, business reports, and academic papers where the action genuinely reflects exceptional cleverness.

What's the difference between "a genius move" and "a smart move"?

"A smart move" implies a sensible and intelligent action, while "a genius move" suggests an exceptionally brilliant and insightful decision that leads to significant positive outcomes. The latter carries a stronger connotation of ingenuity and effectiveness.