underhanded method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underhanded method" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a deceitful or dishonest way of achieving something. For example: "He employed an underhanded method to win the competition." Alternative expressions include "deceptive tactic" and "sneaky approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wikipedia

WikiHow

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The "Merriam Tax" was an underhanded method of funneling studio funds to politicians: during the 1934 Californian gubernatorial campaign, the studio executives would 'tax' their actors, automatically taking a day's pay from their biggest-earners, ultimately sending nearly half a million dollars to the gubernatorial campaign of Frank Merriam.

Wikipedia

An adult might use an underhanded method against another adult, by provided alcoholic beverages to the "secret keeper", in an effort to get them inebriated and learn the truth.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Meanwhile, Mets General Manager Omar Minaya said that he was not worried about the Phillies possibly using underhanded methods to steal signs, something they have been accused of recently.

The New York Times

Supermajority requirements are not the only way that democracy is routinely bypassed, and Albany has its own underhanded methods for ensuring that a small group of lawmakers can dominate the majority.

The New York Times

He once described himself, in a self-mocking reference to the underhanded methods nurtured by the dog-eat-dog culture of British tabloids, as "la crème de la scum".

The New York Times

A contemptuous duplicity, a meanness, has entered his talk on the stump — so much so that it seems obvious that, in the drive for victory, he is willing to replicate some of the same underhanded methods that defeated him eight years ago in South Carolina.

The New Yorker

Had it been the intention of Congress to limit the obtaining of such preferences to fraudulent schemes or devices, or to those operating only by dishonest, underhanded methods, it would have been easy to have so provided in words that would be unmistakable in their meaning.

Cornell University

Our current goal is to raise awareness about WikiLeaks and the underhanded methods employed by the above companies to impair WikiLeaks' ability to function".

TechCrunch

Check out some of our favorite examples of folks using underhanded methods to reach a particular goal but forgetting about the delicate art of sneakiness.

HuffPost

What's more, my Facebook page was set to private status, and my former employer had to use underhanded methods to access my posts.

Huffington Post

Each of the two paleontologists used underhanded methods to try to out-compete the other in the field, resorting to bribery, theft, and destruction of bones.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underhanded method", ensure the context clearly indicates the unethical or deceitful nature of the approach. Avoid using it in neutral or positive contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "underhanded method" when a simpler term like "unconventional" or "innovative" would suffice. "Underhanded" carries a strong negative connotation of dishonesty and should not be used lightly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underhanded method" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "underhanded" modifies the noun "method". It describes a particular quality or characteristic of the method being employed. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "underhanded method" describes a deceitful or dishonest way of achieving something. Ludwig AI validates that the expression is grammatically correct. While relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase appears across various contexts, including news, wikis, and academic writing. When writing, be aware of the negative connotation and use it to express disapproval. Alternative phrases like "deceptive tactic" or "dishonest approach" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deceptive tactic

Focuses on the intent to deceive, similar to "underhanded method" but slightly broader.

dishonest approach

Emphasizes the lack of honesty in the way something is done, closely related in meaning.

sneaky scheme

Highlights the secretive and often manipulative nature of the method.

devious plan

Implies a carefully crafted, yet unethical strategy.

unscrupulous tactic

Focuses on the lack of moral principles behind the method.

treacherous strategy

Suggests a betrayal of trust or loyalty.

Machiavellian approach

Refers to a cunning, amoral, and opportunistic way of achieving goals.

conniving tactic

Emphasizes the manipulative and scheming aspect.

fraudulent practice

Highlights the deceitful and illegal nature of the method.

illicit means

Refers to methods that are unlawful or not permitted.

FAQs

What does "underhanded method" mean?

An "underhanded method" refers to a way of doing something that is deceitful, dishonest, or unfair, often involving trickery or a lack of transparency.

How can I use "underhanded method" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company used an "underhanded method" to gain a competitive advantage, which ultimately damaged their reputation."

What are some alternatives to "underhanded method"?

You can use alternatives like "deceptive tactic", "dishonest approach", or "sneaky scheme" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "underhanded method" and "unconventional approach"?

"Underhanded method" implies dishonesty and unfairness, whereas "unconventional approach" simply means something is not done in the usual way, without necessarily being unethical.