Dictionary

finagle

verb fi·na·gle \fə-ˈnā-gəl\

: to get (something) in a clever or dishonest way

: to trick (someone) in order to get something

fi·na·gledfi·na·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\

Full Definition of FINAGLE

transitive verb

: to obtain by indirect or involved means <finagle a ride home>

: to obtain by trickery <finagled his way into the concert>

intransitive verb

: to use devious or dishonest methods to achieve one's ends

— fi·na·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

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perhaps alteration of fainaigue to renege

First Known Use: circa 1924

Synonyms: contrive, engineer, finesse, frame, machinate, maneuver, manipulate, mastermind, negotiate, wangle

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