Definition

1. Noun:

   • The use of tricks to deceive someone: "Chicane" refers to the act of employing clever but dishonest methods, often to gain an advantage or extract something from someone.
   • A movable barrier used in motor racing: In motorsports, a "chicane" is a series of tight, alternating turns or a physical barrier placed on a racetrack to force drivers to slow down, typically before a dangerous corner.
   • A bridge hand void of trumps: In the card game bridge, a "chicane" is a hand that contains no cards of the trump suit.

2. Verb:

   • To raise trivial objections: To "chicane" means to argue or object over minor, petty details, often in a way that is annoying or obstructive.
   • To defeat someone through trickery or deceit: To "chicane" someone is to overcome or get the better of them by using cunning or deceptive methods.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Deception):

  • The contract was secured through legal chicane.
  • He was a master of political chicane.

• Noun (Motorsport):

  • The driver navigated the chicane perfectly, maintaining his lead.
  • A new chicane was added to the circuit to improve safety.

• Noun (Card Games):

  • Holding a chicane, he knew he had to play defensively.

• Verb (Petty Objection):

  • He would constantly chicane over the wording of the agreement, delaying the process.
  • Stop chicaning about the minor costs and focus on the overall budget.

• Verb (Deceive):

  • The cunning lawyer managed to chicane his opponent in the debate.

Advanced Usage

• "To chicane one's way into/out of something": To use trickery to achieve a position or avoid a responsibility.
  • He chicaned his way into a leadership role.
  • She tried to chicane her way out of the contract.

Variants and Related Words

• Chicanery (n): The more common noun form, meaning the use of trickery or subterfuge.
  • The election was marred by accusations of chicanery.

Synonyms

• Noun (Deception): Trickery, subterfuge, deception, artifice, sophistry.
• Verb (Object): Cavil, quibble, nitpick.
• Verb (Deceive): Dupe, hoodwink, bamboozle, outwit.

Related Phrases

• Legal chicane: The use of complex or deceptive legal maneuvers.
  • The case was prolonged due to the defense's legal chicane.

Noun

1. the use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them)
2. a movable barrier used in motor racing; sometimes placed before a dangerous corner to reduce speed as cars pass in single file
3. a bridge hand that is void of trumps

Verb

1. raise trivial objections
2. defeat someone through trickery or deceit