Political Maneuvering

noun a cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one's own advantage

• The company's latest marketing ploy was met with mixed reviews from industry analysts.
• I see right through your little ploy to get out of doing the dishes.
• Nice try with that ploy, but I'm not falling for it.
• Her charm was just a ploy to get what she wanted.

noun the action of preventing someone from accomplishing something or the act of opposing and defeating a plan or an attempt

verb to prevent someone from accomplishing something or to oppose and defeat a plan or an attempt

• The security measures were successful in thwarting the cyber attack.
• The police were able to thwart the criminal's escape.
• She's really good at thwarting her opponents in the game.
• His quick thinking was like a shield, thwarting any doubts or fears that tried to creep in.