devious schemes

USAGE SUMMARY

'devious schemes' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a plan, strategy, or course of action that is underhanded or untrustworthy. Example sentence: "The villain plotted devious schemes in order to gain power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

As Mr. Bruno put it recently, "They spend all their time concocting devious schemes about a nice guy like me".

The New York Times

With her devious schemes, her loyal heart, the two kingdoms she has been playing with, and the boy she can never have.

The Guardian

Of the Spitzer administration, he said, "They spend all their time concocting devious schemes about a nice guy like me," adding that he had not had a substantive conversation with the governor for "three or four months".

The New York Times

His apparently devious schemes are occasionally revealed to be the result of twisted altruism, usually related to offspring such as the unhinged Titans Joseph (Jericho) and Rose (Ravager) Wilson.

The Guardian - Film

The lawyer for Rod R. Blagojevich urged jurors last week to acquit his client of corruption charges, in part because Mr. Blagojevich, the chatty former governor of Illinois, was simply too dull to carry out the devious schemes of which he stands accused.

The New York Times

Among Wall Street's many mysteries--the secret deals, the hidden transactions, the devious schemes and swindles--are its underground societies.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In "Survivor", the most devious schemer earned the admiration of his victims and secured the $1m prize.

The Economist

When he launched a devious scheme to upturn his own denied promotion, I learned how one could circumvent merit with shrewd politics.

The Guardian

"The Pentagon's devious scheme to place favorable propaganda in Iraqi newspapers speaks volumes about the president's credibility gap," Mr. Kennedy said.

The New York Times

The second and more devious scheme is being used by many of the largest application developers.

TechCrunch

Still, even while some P2P software makers have been held liable for losses that the copyright owners have incurred, more-devious schemes for circumventing apprehension have been invented.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devious schemes" to vividly portray characters or entities known for deceit and manipulation in narratives or analytical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "devious schemes" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral and objective term like "strategic planning with ethical concerns" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devious schemes" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes plans or strategies characterized by deceit and cunning, as evidenced in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devious schemes" is a noun phrase used to describe plans characterized by deceit and cunning. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English, typically functioning as an object or complement within a sentence. Usage is most common in news and media, where it serves to denote and often condemn manipulative planning. While the phrase carries a negative connotation, its register remains relatively neutral. Alternatives like "underhanded tactics" or "cunning plots" may be used to vary the expression, depending on the desired nuance. When writing, it's best to use "devious schemes" to vividly portray characters or entities known for manipulation, avoiding its use in overly formal academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underhanded tactics

Focuses on the methods used, emphasizing their unfair or unethical nature.

cunning plots

Highlights the intelligence and ingenuity, often with a negative connotation, behind the plans.

dishonest strategies

Emphasizes the lack of integrity and moral principles in the planned actions.

conniving plans

Suggests a manipulative and secretly plotting nature.

crafty manipulations

Highlights skillful but dishonest control over people or situations.

treacherous designs

Emphasizes the element of betrayal and danger in the plans.

scheming behavior

Focuses on the general pattern of deceitful actions rather than a specific plan.

unscrupulous machinations

Highlights a lack of moral principles in complex and secret plots.

sneaky ploys

Suggests a secretive and often petty form of trickery.

fraudulent activities

Focuses specifically on deceitful actions intended for financial gain or other forms of fraud.

FAQs

How can I use "devious schemes" in a sentence?

You can use "devious schemes" to describe someone's actions, for example: "The villain was known for his "devious schemes" to seize power."

What are some alternatives to "devious schemes"?

Alternatives include phrases like "underhanded tactics", "cunning plots", or "dishonest strategies", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the connotation of "devious schemes"?

"Devious schemes" carries a negative connotation, implying that the plans are dishonest, underhanded, and intended to deceive or manipulate others.

When is it appropriate to use "devious schemes" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "devious schemes" when you want to emphasize the deceitful and manipulative nature of a plan, particularly in narratives or descriptive writing where you want to evoke a sense of disapproval or distrust.