underhanded tactics

USAGE SUMMARY

'underhanded tactics' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone has used sneaky or dishonest methods to get an advantage. For example: "The team used underhanded tactics to win the game, and the referee didn't notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But both Lendle and Book Lender disavow such underhanded tactics.

The Economist

"Their underhanded tactics displace longtime residents from their homes and exacerbate the acute affordable-housing shortage".

The New York Times

Both sides are using underhanded tactics and both sides are using violence".

The New York Times

If Miranda is to retain its vitality, the court must reject these underhanded tactics.

The New York Times

"I'm demanding that Senator Cruz and his campaign repudiate these dishonest and underhanded tactics.

The Guardian

He also lambasted the "underhanded tactics" his opponent used during the debate.

The New Yorker

They were also willing to resort to underhanded tactics to win market share.

MIT Technology Review

The use of underhanded tactics to disrupt the opposition's presence on Twitter is par for the course for Chávez's people.

The New York Times

Asked if he was worried about Tyson employing underhanded tactics, Neilsen said, "If he bites me, I'll bite him back".

The New York Times - Sports

Nobody does hissy fits like Karl Rove; the master of hardball, dirty-trick politics is constantly outraged, outraged, at his opponents' underhanded tactics.

The New York Times

Participants used all sorts of underhanded tactics, from sending boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts to placing bagels and cream cheese before the boss at company meetings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "underhanded tactics" when you want to strongly condemn methods that are not only ineffective, but also morally questionable. This is especially effective in situations where transparency and integrity are expected.

Common error

Avoid using "underhanded tactics" to describe simple mistakes or unintentional errors. This phrase implies a deliberate and malicious intent to deceive or gain an unfair advantage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underhanded tactics" functions as a noun phrase, where "underhanded" is an adjective modifying the noun "tactics". As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes sneaky and dishonest methods.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "underhanded tactics" effectively conveys disapproval of dishonest methods used to gain an advantage. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase serves to condemn actions that lack integrity. While alternatives like "devious methods" and "dishonest practices" exist, "underhanded tactics" provides a specific emphasis on the manipulative nature of the actions. Remember to use it when a deliberate intent to deceive is evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dirty tricks

An informal term emphasizing the unsavory nature of the tactics.

devious methods

Emphasizes the cunning and scheming nature of the tactics.

sneaky strategies

Highlights the stealth and secrecy involved in the approach.

dishonest practices

Focuses on the lack of integrity and ethical behavior.

unscrupulous schemes

Suggests a disregard for moral principles and a manipulative intent.

foul play

Implies violation of rules or fair conduct.

Machiavellian maneuvers

Draws a parallel to the political philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli, implying a ruthless pursuit of power.

crooked dealings

Indicates dishonesty in business or financial transactions.

immoral actions

Focuses on the ethical wrongness of the behavior.

unethical behavior

Highlights that the set of actions violates moral principles and professional standards.

FAQs

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

You can use "underhanded tactics" to describe actions that are dishonest and intended to gain an unfair advantage. For example: "The politician was accused of using "underhanded tactics" to win the election."

What are some synonyms for "underhanded tactics"?

Some synonyms for "underhanded tactics" include "devious methods", "sneaky strategies", and "dishonest practices".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "underhanded tactics"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "underhanded tactics" when describing deliberate actions that are unfair, dishonest, and intended to deceive or gain an advantage. Avoid using it for unintentional mistakes or minor errors.

What's the difference between "underhanded tactics" and "aggressive strategies"?

"Underhanded tactics" imply dishonesty and a lack of integrity, while "aggressive strategies" may be forceful and assertive but not necessarily unethical. "Aggressive strategies" aim to win but may still operate within ethical boundaries, while "underhanded tactics" often involve deception and unfair play.