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Manoeuvre Definition, Tactics & Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：tactical move (manoeuvre)
manoeuvre
/məˈnuːvə(r)/
n.
A clever move or action, either physical or mental, to solve a problem or get an advantage.
tactical move
➕
/ˈtæktɪkəl muːv/
n.
A clever and skillful action or plan designed to achieve a specific advantage or to solve a tricky situation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'manu operari' (to work by hand).
💡 Mnemonic
Man + oeuvre (work) = a clever 'handy-work' move.
📖 Example
During the meeting, she used a clever conversational manoeuvre to change the topic away from her mistake.
During the meeting, she used a clever conversational tactic to change the topic away from her mistake.
🔗 Collocations
a brilliant manoeuvre – an exceptionally clever and successful tactical action
a diplomatic manoeuvre – a clever action taken in negotiations or international relations
a clever manoeuvre – an intelligent and skillful move to gain an advantage
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
blunder (n.) – A stupid or careless mistake, often resulting from a lack of skill or planning.
🌱 Derivatives
manoeuvrable (adj.) – Able to be moved, directed, or controlled easily and skillfully.
manoeuvring (n.) – The process of performing manoeuvres; skillful movement or planning.
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Medieval Latin 'manuoperare', entering English via Old French. Originally meant manual labor or handling. Its military and strategic senses emerged in the 18th century, reflecting organized physical or tactical 'handling' of troops.
Meaning 2：coordinated movement (manoeuvre)
manoeuvre
/məˈnuːvə(r)/
n.
Large, organized movements of military forces, ships, or vehicles, especially for training or in a battle.
coordinated movement
➕
/kəʊˈɔːdɪneɪtɪd ˈmuːvmənt/
n.
A large-scale, planned, and often complex movement of military forces, vehicles, or ships, typically for training or combat purposes.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The naval ships performed a complex manoeuvre during the international training exercise.
The naval ships performed a complex coordinated movement during the international training exercise.
🔗 Collocations
a military manoeuvre – a planned operational movement of armed forces
a training manoeuvre – a practice exercise involving coordinated movements of troops or vehicles
a complex manoeuvre – a movement that involves many parts working together in a complicated pattern
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
routine (n.) – A regular, unvarying, and often boring course of procedure, lacking complex planning.
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