sham try

[/ʃæm traɪ/]
nounpl: sham tries
tentativa fingida; ensaio falso
1. In rugby, a deceptive playing move where a player pretends to attempt a try (scoring move) but actually passes or moves the ball elsewhere to deceive the opposing team
The player executed a brilliant sham try, faking the scoring attempt to set up his teammate for an easy try.
O jogador executou uma tentativa fingida brilhante, fingindo o lance de pontuação para preparar seu colega de equipe para uma tentativa fácil.
2. A fake or insincere attempt at something; a pretended effort
His apology was just a sham try at reconciliation; he didn't really mean it.
Seu pedido de desculpas era apenas uma tentativa fingida de reconciliação; ele não falava sério.
This term is primarily used in rugby contexts, where the sport is popular in Brazil (growing), Portugal, and especially in Commonwealth nations. The concept of 'sham try' reflects rugby's emphasis on tactical deception and strategic play. In broader contexts, it can mean any insincere or pretended attempt.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
fake attemptfeigned effortpretended movedeceptive playmock try
Antonyms / Antônimos
genuine attemptsincere effortreal tryauthentic move

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
tentativa fingida; ensaio falso
commonly used in rugby contexts
Portugal
tentativa simulada; lance falso
Portuguese rugby terminology may differ slightly
United States
sham try
less common due to rugby being less popular; more used in British English-speaking countries

Related Words

shamtryrugbydeceptionfeintfakepretense

Related Idioms & Phrases

to pull a sham try
fake someone out with a sham try
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