a shrewd maneuver

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shrewd maneuver" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clever or astute action taken to achieve a specific goal, often in a strategic context. Example: "The CEO's decision to invest in emerging markets was a shrewd maneuver that positioned the company for future growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They were present because of a shrewd maneuver the fixers had begun weeks earlier to penetrate the highest levels of the South African soccer federation.

The New York Times - Sports

And every time they do it, they pay a fraction of a penny more because of a shrewd maneuver by Goldman Sachs and other financial players that ultimately costs consumers billions of dollars.

The New York Times

It's not clear whether this is a Luddite impulse, a shrewd maneuver designed to enhance his glamorously elusive aura or simply a pragmatic decision not to squander hours at the beck and call of everyone with a keyboard and a screen name.

The New York Times - Magazine

Manager Joe Torre made a shrewd maneuver tonight when he used Knoblauch as a designated hitter for the second time in his Yankees' career and conceded that he might do the same thing as soon as tomorrow when the Chicago White Sox start a left-hander.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A shrewd play? 100percentt.

Huffington Post

Even in the notebooks, he does not grant himself the subjectivity of the first person; and if this is a manifestation of the dry repression that others found so frustrating and off-putting in Coetzee the man ("disembodied" is one interviewee's word for him), it is also a shrewd technical maneuver by Coetzee the storyteller.

The New York Times - Books

However, whether Corey's decision to charge murder was a shrewd tactical maneuver to make a conviction more likely, or a tactical blunder in suggesting a bad faith motivation to "pile on" a charge higher than the evidence warrants, is difficult to determine.

HuffPost

When gold prices surged, the shrewd maneuver allowed Freeport to repay a lot of the debt it took on to acquire Phelps in a period of only 18 months.

Forbes

Porsche's chief executive, Wendelin Wiedeking, nearly engineered a David vs. Goliath takeover of vastly larger VW; his shrewd maneuvering netted him more than $100 million in annual compensation.

The New York Times

But in replacing the inexperienced Scot with Holloway, the powers-that-be at Selhurst Park have conducted some shrewd maneuvering.

Independent

Nevertheless, Hitler's shrewd maneuvering behind the scenes prompted the president of the German republic, Paul von Hindenburg, to name him chancellor on January 30 , 1933

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a shrewd maneuver" when you want to emphasize the cleverness and strategic nature of an action taken to gain an advantage or achieve a specific goal, especially in business, politics, or sports.

Common error

Avoid using "a shrewd maneuver" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "smart move" or "clever idea".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shrewd maneuver" functions as a noun phrase, where "shrewd" is an adjective modifying the noun "maneuver". Ludwig AI confirms that it's a valid phrase. It describes a particular kind of action or strategy.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shrewd maneuver" is a noun phrase that describes a clever and strategic action. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. While grammatically sound, it's relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. It's best used in analytical or descriptive writing to highlight the intelligence and strategic nature of a particular action, especially in areas like business, politics, or sports. Related phrases include "a clever tactic" and "an astute strategy".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clever tactic

Emphasizes the ingenuity of the action, focusing on the skill involved.

an astute strategy

Highlights the careful planning and assessment behind the action.

a canny move

Implies a degree of resourcefulness and practical wisdom.

a smart play

Suggests the action was intelligent and well-timed in a specific situation.

a strategic decision

Focuses on the long-term planning and goals behind the action.

a tactical masterstroke

Highlights the exceptional skill and effectiveness of the action.

an ingenious scheme

Emphasizes the originality and cleverness of the plan.

a deft move

Highlights the skill and grace with which the action was executed.

a well-calculated step

Focuses on the careful consideration and planning involved in the action.

a cunning approach

Implies a level of deception or manipulation in achieving the goal.

FAQs

What does "a shrewd maneuver" mean?

The phrase "a shrewd maneuver" refers to a clever and strategic action, often taken to gain an advantage or achieve a specific goal. It implies intelligence, careful planning, and resourcefulness.

What are some synonyms for "a shrewd maneuver"?

Alternatives include "a clever tactic", "an astute strategy", or "a canny move", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "a shrewd maneuver" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company's acquisition of its competitor was "a shrewd maneuver" that solidified its market position." or "The politician's sudden change of stance was seen as "a shrewd maneuver" to gain voter support."

Is "a shrewd maneuver" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a shrewd maneuver" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in contexts such as business reports, political analysis, or sports commentary, where strategic and clever actions are being discussed.