dirty tactic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dirty tactic" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe unethical or underhanded methods employed to achieve a goal. Example: "The politician resorted to dirty tactics to undermine his opponent." Alternative expressions include "underhanded method" and "unethical strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But it is a very dirty tactic".

The Guardian

It's a dirty tactic, but you can't fault it for boldness.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This is some company, desperate to sell their wares, turning to a dirty tactic that they knew would go viral.

TechCrunch

In the email, Selesky also claims to have "watched in disbelief as the media applied one dirty tactic after another," in an alleged effort to "tear down" Gingrich.

Huffington Post

Some people consider this a "dirty" tactic, and you may lose some followers if you tag this too often.

WikiHow

What you may consider to be a dirty tactic, could be a widely accepted strategy among tournament players that know they game better than you and it brings a challenge.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Even dirty tactics are admired.

The New Yorker

And Hopkins will resort to dirty tactics.

The Guardian - Sport

Our nation knows about such dirty tactics well by now".

The New York Times

Trivial and dirty tactics these may be, but they are effective.

The Economist

You've been accused of using dirty tactics in your investigations.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions as a "dirty tactic", provide specific examples to support your claim and avoid vague accusations.

Common error

Avoid labeling every disagreement or competitive action as a "dirty tactic". Reserve the phrase for situations involving clear violations of ethics or rules.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dirty tactic" functions as a noun phrase, where "dirty" modifies the noun "tactic". It describes a particular kind of tactic, specifically one that is unethical or underhanded. Ludwig confirms this is a valid English phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dirty tactic" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression that describes an unethical or underhanded method used to achieve a goal. Ludwig confirms this with several real-world examples. While its frequency is uncommon, its usage spans across news, media and wiki sources. When using the phrase, it's essential to provide context and specific examples to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "underhanded strategy" or "unethical maneuver" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Although labeled as correct, avoid overusing it for minor disagreements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underhanded strategy

Emphasizes the strategic nature of the tactic, highlighting its deceitful aspect.

unethical maneuver

Focuses on the ethical violation inherent in the action.

foul play

Suggests a violation of rules or fair conduct, often in a competitive setting.

devious scheme

Highlights the element of planning and secretiveness in the tactic.

unsavory practice

Focuses on the unpleasant or distasteful nature of the tactic.

dodgy method

Implies that the tactic is questionable and potentially unreliable.

sneaky trick

Highlights the deceptive and sly nature of the action.

immoral ploy

Stresses the lack of moral principles behind the tactic.

corrupt practice

Indicates dishonesty and a lack of integrity.

manipulative approach

Emphasizes the control and exploitation involved in the tactic.

FAQs

How can I use "dirty tactic" in a sentence?

You can use "dirty tactic" to describe unethical or underhanded methods. For example: "The politician used a "dirty tactic" to undermine his opponent."

What are some alternatives to saying "dirty tactic"?

Some alternatives include "underhanded strategy", "unethical maneuver", or "foul play", depending on the specific context.

What makes a tactic "dirty"?

A tactic is considered "dirty" when it violates ethical principles, rules, or commonly accepted standards of fairness, often involving deception or manipulation.

Is using a "dirty tactic" always wrong?

While generally considered unethical, the perception of a "dirty tactic" can depend on the context and the specific standards of conduct in a given situation. Some may view certain actions as simply aggressive or resourceful, while others see them as morally reprehensible.