outsmart

/aut'smɑ:t/
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outsmart

The clever rabbit outsmarts the fox by hiding in a hollow log.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To defeat, gain an advantage over, or achieve a goal by using superior intelligence, cleverness, or cunning strategy. It implies being more shrewd or crafty than an opponent in a specific situation.
Usage

The verb "outsmart" is transitive and requires a direct object (the person or entity being outsmarted). It is often used in contexts involving competition, conflict, or trickery. The past tense and past participle are "outsmarted."

Examples
  • Basic Usage:
    • The small, agile startup managed to outsmart the industry giant with its innovative marketing strategy.
    • In the chess match, she outsmarted her opponent by setting up a clever trap.
    • The detective outsmarted the criminal by anticipating his next move.
Advanced Usage
  • Reflexive Use ("to outsmart oneself"): To fail or create a problem for oneself by being too clever or overthinking a situation.
    • He tried to set a complex trap but ended up outsmarting himself; his plan backfired completely.
Variants and Related Words
  • Outfox (verb): A close synonym, meaning to outwit or trick through cunning, like a fox.
  • Outmaneuver (verb): To gain an advantage through superior movement or tactical planning, often in a physical or strategic context.
  • Outwit (verb): To defeat or get the better of someone by using greater intelligence or cleverness. This is a very close synonym to "outsmart."
Synonyms
  • Outwit
  • Outfox
  • Outthink
  • Outplay (in contexts of strategy)
  • Trick
  • Deceive (though this has a stronger connotation of dishonesty)
Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms

Note: "Outsmart" itself is not typically used in phrasal verb constructions. It is a single, compound verb. - To be too clever by half: An idiom describing someone whose cleverness leads to their own downfall, similar to "outsmarting oneself." - His scheme to avoid taxes was too clever by half; now he's facing a huge fine.

outsmart

The clever rabbit outsmarts the fox by hiding in a hollow log.

Verb
  1. defeat by more skillful maneuvering
    • The English troops outmaneuvered the Germans
    • My new supervisor knows how to outmaneuver the boss in most situations
  2. beat through cleverness and wit
    • I beat the traffic
    • She outfoxed her competitors

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