Words / B1

m-uh-NOOV-uh/məˈnuːvə/

To manoeuvre (UK spelling) is to move skilfully, or to use a clever plan. Maneuver is US. A manoeuvre is also a noun. Manipulate is stronger and more negative (already in the dictionary). Rotas: the trust had to manoeuvre around weekend rules.

Meaning

To move skilfully, or to use a clever plan to get what you want (UK spelling).

Examples

• “The trust had to manoeuvre around the weekend rota rules.”
• “A three-point turn is a driving manoeuvre; a political manoeuvre is the planning sense.”

Good to know

UK: manoeuvre. US: maneuver. Noun or verb. Stronger: manipulate. Driving / workplace politics. Not “maneuver” in UK exams.

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