maneuvering
maneuvering — noun
1. the American English way of writing the word manoeuvring, which means the same t
the American English way of writing the word manoeuvring, which means the same thing in British English
In American English, maneuvering is the standard spelling instead of manoeuvring.
AmE spelling variant of BrE manoeuvring
British textbooks use manoeuvring while US military reports use maneuvering.
用法筆記
This is only a spelling difference. In British English the word is spelt manoeuvring. All definitions and examples below apply to both spellings.
2. a planned movement of soldiers, ships, or aircraft during training or combat to
a planned movement of soldiers, ships, or aircraft during training or combat to gain a better position than the enemy
The general ordered night maneuvering to surround the enemy camp before dawn.
military use: maneuvering to surround the enemy
Thousands of troops took part in large-scale maneuvering across the desert last spring.
The naval maneuvering in the South China Sea was watched closely by allied forces.
During the training exercise, the tank crew practiced defensive maneuvering through the forest.
- tactics
a broader term for the overall plan rather than the individual movements
- operations
refers to the full set of coordinated actions, not just positional changes
用法筆記
Frequently used in the plural (maneuverings) to describe a series of planned military actions. Subject is often a military unit, fleet, or commanding officer.
3. the use of clever or sometimes dishonest methods to control a situation and get
the use of clever or sometimes dishonest methods to control a situation and get what you want, especially in business or politics
After months of political maneuvering, the senator finally won enough votes for her bill.
political maneuvering — common collocation
The merger was the result of years of behind-the-scenes maneuvering by the company's top executives.
behind-the-scenes maneuvering — idiom-like collocation
Kwame accused his rival of dirty maneuvering to steal the client contract.
The boardroom maneuvering for the CEO position grew more intense after the quarterly losses.
Some shareholders were upset by the secret maneuvering that led to the takeover.
- machinations
more formal and always negative; implies secret scheming
- manipulation
emphasises control over people rather than situations
- intrigue
suggests secret plots within a group or organisation
用法筆記
Often carries a negative connotation of deceit or underhandedness. Distinguish from noun sense 4 (PHYSICAL DEXTERITY) which describes physical skill, not social strategy.
4. a careful and dexterous physical action or series of movements, especially when
a careful and dexterous physical action or series of movements, especially when fitting something into a tight space or handling a tricky object
Moving the grand piano through the narrow doorway required careful maneuvering.
skillful handling of objects in tight spaces
The nurse's gentle maneuvering of the needle made the child feel almost no pain.
With a bit of maneuvering, Rohan managed to fit his bicycle into the crowded storage room.
The sculptor's careful maneuvering of the chisel created a smooth curve on the marble.
- manipulation
in this context, physical handling rather than social control
- finesse
suggests elegance and skill but is uncountable
maneuvering — verb
1. to move soldiers, vehicles, ships, or aircraft into a specific position during t
to move soldiers, vehicles, ships, or aircraft into a specific position during training or combat in order to gain a tactical advantage
The commander maneuvered his tanks to the left to cut off the enemy's escape route.
transitive: maneuvered + direct object + prepositional phrase
The submarine maneuvered silently through the deep waters to avoid detection.
intransitive: maneuvered + adverb/preposition
The pilots maneuvered their jets into formation just above the clouds.
Troops were maneuvered into position hours before the main attack began.
文法句型
maneuver + noun (troops/ships)
maneuver + adverb/preposition
用法筆記
Can be transitive (maneuver troops/ships) or intransitive (the troops maneuvered). In passive constructions, frequently followed by into or out of.
2. to move a vehicle or object with skill, making careful changes in direction to a
to move a vehicle or object with skill, making careful changes in direction to avoid obstacles or reach a specific place
Luisa maneuvered her car into the tight parking spot between two vans.
vehicle maneuvering into tight space
The truck driver carefully maneuvered around the fallen tree on the mountain road.
Yuki maneuvered the wheelchair through the crowded hospital corridor without bumping anyone.
The ferry captain maneuvered slowly past the other boats toward the dock.
文法句型
maneuver + noun (vehicle/object)
maneuver + adverb/preposition
用法筆記
Unlike verb sense 1 (TACTICAL MOVEMENT), this sense has no military connotation. The object is typically a vehicle or physical object, and the context is everyday navigation.
常見錯誤
3. to use clever, strategic, or slightly dishonest methods to achieve a personal go
to use clever, strategic, or slightly dishonest methods to achieve a personal goal, especially in a competitive environment such as business or politics
Several junior executives were maneuvering for the promotion after the director announced his retirement.
maneuver for [position/advantage]
The lobbyist maneuvered to get her client's proposal included in the new trade agreement.
maneuver to [infinitive goal]
Ananya maneuvered her way onto the committee by offering to help with the fundraising.
Diego spent months maneuvering behind the scenes to become the next department head.
The rival companies maneuvered against each other for control of the valuable patent.
文法句型
maneuver + for + noun
maneuver + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Intransitive only — you maneuver for something or maneuver to do something. Unlike verb sense 2, the object is never a physical vehicle. Distinguished from verb sense 1 by the non-military, social-strategic context.