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intricate deception

[ɪnˈtrɪkət dɪˈsɛpʃən]
noun phrasepl: intricate deceptions
engano intricado
1. A complex, elaborate, and carefully planned act of deceiving or misleading someone
The detective uncovered an intricate deception involving multiple false identities and forged documents.
O detetive descobriu um engano intricado envolvendo múltiplas identidades falsas e documentos falsificados.
2. A sophisticated scheme or trick with many interrelated parts designed to conceal the truth
The con artist's intricate deception fooled investors for years.
O engano intricado do golpista enganou investidores durante anos.
NYC Slang
the long con / a real con job
Synonyms
elaborate hoaxsophisticated fraudcomplex schemetangled web of liesconvoluted trickengano elaboradofraude sofisticadatrama complexa
Antonyms
simple truthstraightforward honestytransparencyverdade simpleshonestidade direta

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
engano intricado / fraude elaborada
Commonly used in formal contexts and detective/crime narratives
São Paulo
trama complexa / cilada elaborada
May use more colloquial terms in casual speech
Rio de Janeiro
engano de primeira / cilada bem montada
Informal usage with regional expressions
Portugal
ardil intrincado / logro sofisticado
Prefer more traditional Portuguese vocabulary

Related Idioms & Phrases

a tangled web of lies
pulling the wool over someone's eyes
keeping someone in the dark
a house of cards
weaving a web of deceit
tecendo uma teia de engano
enganar com sofisticação
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