underhanded plot

[ˌʌndərˈhændɪd plɑːt]
nounpl: underhanded plots
conspiração enganosa / trama sorrateira / ardil
1. a secret, deceptive scheme or plan designed to achieve something through dishonest or unfair means
The underhanded plot to embezzle company funds was finally discovered by the auditors.
A trama sorrateira para desviar fundos da empresa foi finalmente descoberta pelos auditores.
2. a cunning or sneaky arrangement made in secret to harm, manipulate, or deceive someone
She uncovered an underhanded plot by her colleagues to take credit for her work.
Ela descobriu uma conspiração enganosa de seus colegas para roubar crédito por seu trabalho.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, 'underhanded plot' carries strong negative connotations and suggests moral failings. In corporate environments, exposing such plots is considered a whistleblowing act. In Brazil, the concept relates closely to 'jogo de cintura' (playing it smart) but with malicious intent. The term is commonly used in media, literature, and everyday discourse to describe political intrigue, workplace betrayals, or romantic deceptions.
NYC Slang
shady scheme / sneaky hustle / dirty play
Synonyms / Sinônimos
conspiracyschemeintriguemachinationsubterfugedevious plansneaky arrangement
Antonyms / Antônimos
honest dealingstraightforward approachtransparent planopen discussion

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
trama sorrateira / conspiração enganosa
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
cilada / trama sorrateira
Local colloquial preference for 'cilada'
São Paulo
conspiração / ardil enganoso
More formal business context usage
Portugal
intriga / maquinação / ardileza
Portuguese preference for 'intriga' in everyday speech

Related Words

deceptiontreacherybackstabbingmanipulationdishonestybetrayalskullduggerychicanery

Related Idioms & Phrases

playing dirty
stab in the back
behind-the-scenes manipulation
underhanded tactics
backstab someone
pull a fast one
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