Basic Details
Word: Subterfuge
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A clever trick used to hide something or to avoid an unpleasant situation.
Synonyms: Deception, ruse, trickery
Antonyms: Honesty, openness
Idioms and Phrases
- Cloak and dagger: Refers to activities that are secretive and involve intrigue or deception. Example: "The spy novel was full of cloak and dagger operations."
- Smoke and mirrors: Used to describe situations or actions intended to deceive, often in a magical or stunning way. Example: "The politician's promises were just smoke and mirrors."
Usage Examples
Example 1: He resorted to subterfuge to sneak into the concert without a ticket.
Example 2: The cat used subterfuge, pretending to be innocent while actually plotting to steal the food.
Example 3: The detective uncovered the subterfuge behind the robbery, revealing how the criminals had misled everyone.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "subterfuge" comes from the Latin word "subterfugere," which means "to flee secretly"? It reflects how people often use tricks to escape or avoid situations.
Famous Quote
"Deception is a cruel act; it often causes harm to the one who cheats." - Siobhan Fahey
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "subterfuge" mean?
a) A kind of animal
b) A clever trick to hide something
c) A type of plant
d) A form of art
Answer: b) A clever trick to hide something
2. Which of these is a synonym of "subterfuge"?
a) Honesty
b) Deception
c) Clarity
d) Bravery
Answer: b) Deception
3. What is the opposite of "subterfuge"?
a) Trickery
b) Openness
c) Cunning
d) Guile
Answer: b) Openness
4. Which sentence uses "subterfuge" correctly?
a) The artist expressed his ideas through subterfuge.
b) She planned a subterfuge to surprise her friend on her birthday.
c) The subterfuge was the colour of the room.
d) We saw a subterfuge flying in the sky.
Answer: b) She planned a subterfuge to surprise her friend on her birthday.
5. Which idiom relates to using trickery similar to "subterfuge"?
a) Cloak and dagger
b) Keep your head above water
c) A fish out of water
d) In hot water
Answer: a) Cloak and dagger
