wangle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wangle" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of obtaining something through cleverness or manipulation, often in a somewhat informal context. Example: "She managed to wangle an invitation to the exclusive event despite not being on the guest list."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And his many friends in the Republican establishment will do everything in their power to wangle him the one job he has always wanted baseball commissioner.The second reason for cohesion is that the Republican Party will still have plenty of power centres it can use to impose discipline and motivate the faithful.

The Economist

If Hillary is too grand to shuttle, appoint an envoy reporting to you to (1) make our Arab friends wangle Hamas back into a Palestinian unity government; and (2) get international buy-in to an "Obama plan".

The Economist

(Armenia's president, Robert Kocharian, is little better, as he owed his own rigged election earlier this year to hardliners, who will not permit a compromise over Karabakh either).In Georgia, meanwhile, the worry is whether Mr Shevardnadze, due to retire in 2005, will go quietly, try to impose a successor, or even wangle a third term.

The Economist

Whenever it is unable to wangle a favourable deal for a military base abroad, or it wants to play up nationalism at home, Russia threatens to introduce visas for Central Asians.

The Economist

Some fall in love with the West and decide to stay, if they can wangle a visa.Female Chinese expatriates, too, tend to have a better time than men, reckons Mr So. (Perhaps they find the culture less sexist. Perhaps they are luckier in love).

The Economist

A handful Zambia's Frederick Chiluba in 2002, Malawi's Bakili Muluzi in 2004 and Nigeria's Olusegun Obasanjo in 2007 stepped down only after trying in vain to wangle extensions.

The Economist

Only the Chinese have managed to wangle a special concession and also to build a pipeline.The main pipeline from Turkmenistan goes through Russia.

The Economist

They may even let some of their provincial representatives attend, while their leaders denounce the tent as just a cover for military occupation.A fairer criticism is that members of the old Governing Council look as if they will wangle too much power for themselves in the new assembly.

The Economist

Doha collapsed, of course; the president cannot singlehandedly wangle a trade deal when the Europeans are resolutely intransigent and the developing countries oddly willing to derail a deal (and of course Mr Bush and his negotiators had America's own powerful farm lobby hanging around their necks).

The Economist

He is already grappling with the Qataris, who, he suspects, want to wangle Hamas into his seat at the Arab League, just as it has recently done with Syria's opposition.

The Economist

He was staying in a villa in Finland when war did break out between France and Germany and, in accordance with this strategy, intended to remain there until he could wangle American visas for himself and his wife, who had returned to France.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wangle", be mindful of the potentially negative connotation of manipulation or deceit. Consider whether a more neutral term like "arrange" or "secure" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "wangle" in formal or professional writing. It is generally considered an informal term and can sound unprofessional. Use more appropriate alternatives like "secure", "arrange", or "negotiate."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wangle" is as a verb, describing the act of obtaining something through skillful, sometimes manipulative, means. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage across contexts reflects this meaning, aligning with examples where someone "wangles" a deal or an invitation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "wangle" is a frequently used verb that describes obtaining something through skillful or slightly manipulative means. As Ludwig AI points out, it's generally considered grammatically correct and is primarily found in news and media contexts. While "wangle" is useful for conveying that an outcome was achieved through cleverness, it's important to be mindful of its potentially negative connotation and to avoid using it in formal writing. Instead, consider alternatives such as "secure", "arrange", or "negotiate" in more formal situations. The prevalence of examples from reputable news sources such as The Economist, The New Yorker, and The Guardian further validates its common usage in contemporary English, although its informal nature should still be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Finagle

Shares a similar informal tone but often implies more active maneuvering or scheming.

Manipulate

Emphasizes control and influence, often with negative connotations of exploiting others.

Scheme

Suggests a more elaborate and potentially unethical plan to achieve a goal.

Contrive

Highlights the artificial or cleverly planned nature of the arrangement or situation.

Engineer

Implies careful and calculated planning, similar to designing a system.

Negotiate

Focuses on bargaining and compromise to reach a mutually acceptable outcome.

Secure

Emphasizes the achievement of obtaining something, regardless of the method used.

Obtain by hook or by crook

Suggests a determination to get something, regardless of the methods used, fair or unfair.

Wrest

Implies a struggle or forceful effort to obtain something against resistance.

Influence

Highlights the role of persuasive power or social connections in getting what you want.

FAQs

How can I use "wangle" in a sentence?

You can use "wangle" to describe obtaining something through skillful, often slightly underhanded, means. For example, "She managed to wangle an invitation to the party".

What can I say instead of "wangle"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "finagle", "manipulate", or "contrive".

Is "wangle" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "wangle" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, use alternatives like "secure", "arrange", or "negotiate".

What is the difference between "wangle" and "arrange"?

"Arrange" implies a straightforward organization, while "wangle" suggests a more cunning or manipulative approach to get something.