skulduggery

[skʌlˈdʌɡəri]

skulduggery Definition

• 1. underhanded or unscrupulous behavior; trickery
• 2. a dishonest scheme or trick

Using skulduggery: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "skulduggery" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The company was accused of financial skulduggery.

• Example

  He used skulduggery to win the election.

• Example

  The politician was known for his skulduggery in the parliament.

skulduggery Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for skulduggery

• deceit
• duplicity
• chicanery
• trickery
• subterfuge

Antonyms for skulduggery

• honesty
• integrity
• uprightness

Idioms Using skulduggery

• up to skulduggery

  engaged in deceitful or underhanded behavior

  Example

  I suspect he's up to skulduggery again.

• skulduggery in high places

  dishonest or illegal activities performed by people in positions of power or authority

  Example

  The newspaper exposed skulduggery in high places, leading to the resignation of several officials.

• skulduggery behind the scenes

  secretive or underhanded activities that are not visible to the public

  Example

  There was a lot of skulduggery behind the scenes during the negotiations.

Phrases with skulduggery

• political skulduggery

  dishonest or illegal activities performed by politicians in order to gain an advantage over their opponents

  Example

  The public is tired of political skulduggery and wants honest politicians.

• financial skulduggery

  dishonest or illegal activities performed by individuals or companies in order to gain an advantage in financial matters

  Example

  The bank was fined for financial skulduggery and unethical practices.

• legal skulduggery

  dishonest or unethical practices performed by lawyers or legal professionals

  Example

  The judge was known for his strict stance against legal skulduggery.

Origins of skulduggery

from Scottish Gaelic 'sgulldubh' meaning 'black, dirty', and 'dubhghall' meaning 'dark stranger'

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Summary: skulduggery in Brief

'Skulduggery' [skʌlˈdʌɡəri] refers to underhanded or unscrupulous behavior, often involving trickery or deceit. It can be seen in various contexts such as politics, finance, and law, exemplified by 'The company was accused of financial skulduggery.' 'Skulduggery' extends into idioms like 'up to skulduggery,' denoting deceitful behavior, and 'skulduggery in high places,' implying dishonest activities by people in positions of power.