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Finagle: meaning, definitions and examples

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finagle

 

[ fɪˈneɪɡl ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

sleight of hand

To finagle means to obtain something through deceitful or underhanded methods. This term often implies clever manipulation or trickery to achieve a goal. It can involve using charm or wit to persuade someone to provide help or resources. In some cases, it may also suggest a sense of resourcefulness in getting out of a tight spot or making something work despite challenges.

Synonyms

con, contrive, maneuver, scheme

Examples of usage

  • She managed to finagle an invitation to the exclusive party.
  • He finagled his way into a better deal on the car.
  • They always seem to finagle the best tables at the restaurant.
  • With a few clever words, he was able to finagle the information he needed.

Translations

Translations of the word "finagle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enganar

🇮🇳 धोखा देना

🇩🇪 betrügen

🇮🇩 menipu

🇺🇦 обманювати

🇵🇱 oszukiwać

🇯🇵 だまし取る

🇫🇷 tromper

🇪🇸 engañar

🇹🇷 aldatmak

🇰🇷 속이다

🇸🇦 خداع

🇨🇿 podvést

🇸🇰 oklamať

🇨🇳 欺骗

🇸🇮 prevarati

🇮🇸 svindla

🇰🇿 алдау

🇬🇪 მატყუება

🇦🇿 aldatmaq

🇲🇽 engañar

Etymology

The word 'finagle' originates from the American slang of the early 20th century, specifically around the 1910s. Its exact etymology is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have roots in Yiddish or possibly in an earlier dialect of English, reflecting the culture of cleverness and street smarts often associated with immigrant communities. The term embodies a sense of crafty ingenuity, often used humorously or lightly to suggest that someone has cleverly navigated a tricky situation or has used their wits to achieve something that might not have been easy or straightforward. Over the decades, 'finagle' has transitioned from a relatively obscure term to one more widely recognized in informal contexts, illustrating the playful side of language development in American English.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,899, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.