The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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finagle

verb

/fɪˈneɪɡl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of finagle

To achieve something through clever or unscrupulous means, especially by trickery or deception.
"He tried to finagle his way into the exclusive club."

Detailed meaning of finagle

It can also mean to manipulate or adjust something in a skillful and subtle way, often to gain an advantage.

For example, a person who is trying to finagle a promotion might use their charm and good relationships with their managers to get ahead, rather than relying on their qualifications or performance. Or someone trying to finagle a way out of a situation they don't want to be in might use sneaky or underhanded methods to avoid it.

Finagling often implies a dishonesty or a lack of integrity in the process, but not always. Someone might finagle something to be true, by finding smart and clever ways, or use legal loop-holes to get what they want, not neccessarily involving deception or manipulation.

It is often used in a negative context, as the implication is that the person is trying to achieve something in a way that is not straightforward or fair.

Example sentences containing finagle

1. He managed to finagle a backstage pass to the concert by pretending to be a member of the press.
2. She always manages to finagle the best seats at concerts.
3. The salesman attempted to finagle a better price for the car.
4. They tried to finagle extra vacation days from their boss.
5. He used his charm to finagle a promotion at work.
6. The politician tried to finagle a loophole in the legislation.

History and etymology of finagle

The verb 'finagle' has a somewhat uncertain etymology, but it is believed to be of American origin. It first appeared in the early 20th century in American English. The exact origins of 'finagle' are not well-documented, but it is thought to be a humorous or whimsical word created by combining sounds to convey the idea of achieving something through clever or unscrupulous means, often involving trickery or deception. While its precise etymology remains elusive, 'finagle' has become a colorful and expressive term in English, capturing the sense of employing artful or manipulative tactics to achieve one's goals, even if those tactics are not entirely aboveboard.

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Further usage examples of finagle

1. She can always finagle a discount at her favorite stores.
2. The student tried to finagle a higher grade from the professor.
3. He's always trying to finagle free samples from the grocery store.
4. He managed to finagle an extension on his deadline.
5. He tried to finagle a better deal for his clients.
6. I had to finagle my schedule to make time for the meeting.
7. He managed to finagle a free meal by pretending to be a food critic.
8. She managed to finagle a better deal by threatening to take her business elsewhere.
9. She managed to finagle a seat in the front row by sweet-talking the ticket seller.
10. He managed to finagle a free upgrade on his flight by flirting with the gate agent.
11. He managed to finagle his way into the exclusive party.
12. She finagled a better deal by negotiating skillfully.
13. They tried to finagle a free upgrade at the hotel.
14. He always finds a way to finagle extra time off work.
15. She attempted to finagle her grade with a sob story.
16. They hoped to finagle a discount through charm.
17. He tried to finagle his boss into giving him a raise.
18. She skillfully finagled a prime parking spot.
19. They were able to finagle a last-minute reservation.
20. He finagled his way into the leadership position.
21. She successfully finagled a higher salary offer.
22. They used their connections to finagle the contract.
23. He finagled a top-notch seat for the concert.
24. She managed to finagle her way out of a tight spot.