hint of gamesmanship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint of gamesmanship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or slight indication of strategic behavior or manipulation in a competitive context. Example: "During the negotiations, there was a hint of gamesmanship that made it clear both parties were trying to outmaneuver each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And not a hint of gamesmanship.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This move saves resources, and potentially face, but it also introduces a hint of public relations gamesmanship.

The New York Times

The Sanchez camp accused Mr. Morales of gamesmanship and has hinted that he is concerned about his fluency in Spanish.

The New York Times

And a more ­mischievous, less pious kind of film might have hinted that the president was using his saintly prestige as a kind of gamesmanship haka to disconcert foreign players.

The Guardian - Film

It "smacks of gamesmanship," Ms. Merkl said.

The New York Times

Each side accused the other of gamesmanship.

The New York Times

Referees are looking for that kind of gamesmanship these days.

The New York Times - Sports

A bit of gamesmanship also comes in handy.

The Economist

There was obviously a bit of gamesmanship going on.

Independent

Part of what is happening is a bit of gamesmanship.

The New York Times

The Dominicans were already playing a game, one of gamesmanship.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint of gamesmanship" when you want to subtly suggest strategic maneuvering or manipulation without being overly accusatory. It's useful in contexts where the behavior is suspected but not explicitly proven.

Common error

Avoid using "hint of gamesmanship" in situations demanding utmost transparency or ethical conduct. Its subtle implication may undermine the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of gamesmanship" functions as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is correct and usable in written English. It often serves to characterize a situation or action, subtly implying the presence of strategic, potentially manipulative, behavior.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hint of gamesmanship" describes a subtle indication of strategic behavior or manipulation in a competitive context. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. While the phrase isn't extremely common, it finds use in news, sports, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context allows for a nuanced suggestion of strategic maneuvering without explicitly accusing someone of unethical behavior. Alternatives include "suggestion of manipulation" or "trace of strategic play", which can be useful depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trace of strategic play

Emphasizes the strategic aspect, downplaying potential deception.

suggestion of manipulation

Focuses more directly on the manipulative aspect, rather than the strategic play.

subtle competitive maneuvering

Highlights the competitive aspect with an emphasis on indirect actions.

shade of strategic intent

Emphasizes the planned aspect of the gamesmanship.

element of calculated play

Highlights the deliberate and thoughtful nature of the competitive actions.

slight touch of one-upmanship

Focuses on the intention to gain an advantage over others.

undertone of shrewdness

Suggests a clever and astute approach, sometimes with a hint of deception.

whiff of underhanded tactics

Implies slightly more negativity and a higher degree of deception.

whisper of cunning

Emphasizes the craftiness and secretiveness involved.

tinge of artifice

Points to the artificial or contrived nature of the behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "hint of gamesmanship" in a sentence?

You might say, "During the negotiations, there was a "hint of gamesmanship" that made it clear both parties were trying to outmaneuver each other."

What's a less formal way to say "hint of gamesmanship"?

In less formal contexts, you could say there was a "trace of strategic play" or a "suggestion of manipulation".

Is it appropriate to use "hint of gamesmanship" in a business context?

Yes, it can be appropriate when discussing negotiations or competitive strategies, but use it cautiously to avoid sounding overly critical or accusatory.

What's the difference between "hint of gamesmanship" and "obvious manipulation"?

"Hint of gamesmanship" suggests a subtle, almost undetectable level of strategic maneuvering, whereas "obvious manipulation" indicates a clear and easily noticeable attempt to control a situation.