noun

manoeuvres

maneuvers, military exercises, schemes, operations

The driver performed some difficult manoeuvres.

The driver performed some difficult maneuvers.

The army is on manoeuvres in the desert.

The army is on maneuvers in the desert.

He made some clever political manoeuvres.

He made some clever political maneuvers.

perform/make ((adjective)) maneuvers to carry out skillful movements The pilot performed some tricky maneuvers.

be on maneuvers to be taking part in military exercises The troops are on maneuvers.

Synonyms: movements, exercises, tactics, schemes, operations

From French 'manœuvre', from Medieval Latin 'manuopera', from 'manu' (by hand) + 'operari' (to work). Literally 'hand-work'. Note the US spelling 'maneuver'.

Think of 'manu' (hand) and 'oeuvre' (work, like in 'magnum opus'). It's a skillful piece of work or movement, originally done by hand.

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