Competition Tactics

noun the practice of winning a game or contest by using methods that are not strictly illegal but are often seen as unsporting or unethical

• The athlete was accused of using gamesmanship to gain an advantage over his opponent.
• She's a master of gamesmanship, always finding ways to outsmart her competitors.
• I can't believe the level of gamesmanship he displayed during the match.
• In the world of politics, gamesmanship is often used to manipulate public opinion.

verb to make something softer or more gentle

adverb softly or gently

• The company is looking to soften up their image with a new advertising campaign.
• I told him to soften up a bit and be more approachable.
• She needs to soften up and stop being so uptight.
• The warm sun helped to soften up the hard clay soil in the garden.