chicane

A noun with multiple meanings: a bridge hand that is void of trumps; a movable barrier used in motor racing to reduce speed; or the use of tricks to deceive someone, usually to extract money.

• 🇫🇷Nom avec plusieurs sens : une main au bridge sans atouts ; un obstacle sinueux sur un circuit automobile pour ralentir les voitures ; ou l'usage de ruses pour tromper quelqu'un, souvent afin d'extorquer de l'argent.

1. Bridge hand without trumps C2 formal

   A hand in the card game bridge that contains no cards of the trump suit.

   • The player was dealt a chicane, leaving them without any trumps.
   • A chicane can drastically change the strategy of the game.
   • He realized he had a chicane only after the bidding began.

   🇫🇷Chicane (bridge)

   Synonymes: void

2. Racing barrier B2 formal

   A movable barrier placed on a race track, often before a dangerous corner, to force cars to slow down and pass in single file.

   • The chicane was installed to improve safety on the track.
   • Drivers must navigate the chicane carefully to avoid collisions.
   • The new chicane reduced speeds significantly before the sharp turn.

   🇫🇷chicane (en sport automobile)

3. Deception or trickery C1 formal

   The use of clever tricks or deceit to mislead someone, often to extract money or gain an advantage.

   • The con artist relied on chicane to swindle his victims.
   • Legal systems are designed to prevent chicane in business dealings.
   • His success was built on chicane rather than honest work.

   🇫🇷Chicane (tromperie)

   Synonymes: chicanerycunningdeceitdeceptionduplicityfraudguilesubterfugetrickery

   Antonymes: candorfairnesshonestytruthfulness

• chicanes plural form
• chicanes' possessive plural form
• chicane's possessive singular form

An archaic verb meaning to use trickery or deception, especially in legal or political contexts.

• 🇫🇷Verbe vieilli ou littéraire signifiant utiliser des manœuvres ou des tromperies, surtout dans un contexte juridique ou politique, pour contourner les règles ou gêner un adversaire.

1. Deceive or trick C2 formal

   To use clever but dishonest methods to defeat or outwit someone.

   • The politician tried to chicane his opponent during the debate.
   • She chicaned her way into the exclusive club by using a fake invitation.
   • He was known to chicane his rivals in business deals.

   🇫🇷Tromper par des manœuvres déloyales

   Synonymes: beguilecheatcozendeceivedupegullhoodwinkoutwitswindletrick

   Antonymes: aidassisthelp

2. Raise petty objections C2 formal

   To argue or object about minor or unimportant details, often to delay or confuse.

   • The lawyer kept chicaning over the wording of the contract.
   • Stop chicaning and focus on the main issue.
   • They chicaned about the color of the logo instead of the design.

   🇫🇷Chicaner

   Synonymes: cavilnitpickpettifogquibble

   Antonymes: acceptagreecomplyconcur

• chicaned past participle
• chicaned past simple
• chicaning present participle
• chicanes third person singular