calculated mistake
Intentional seeming error
A calculated mistake is an error made deliberately or with full awareness of the risks involved.
The phrase often describes decisions that appear foolish but serve a hidden purpose, or gambles taken knowing they might fail: It was a calculated mistake—she knew the merger would anger shareholders but needed to force the board's hand.
Sometimes used ironically for genuine blunders rationalized after the fact.
- intendedPlanned or purposed
- rationalizeExplain with invented reasons
- miscalculationError in estimation
- blunderFoolish, costly mistake
- deliberateConsciously chosen, not accidental
self-deception · trade-off · lesser evil · error · acceptable losses · collateral damage · justification · strategic blunder · accountability · chess · consequentialism · damage control · moral dilemma · cost-benefit analysis · mitigation · uncertainty · intentionally · eyes wide open
calculated mistakehonest mistake
Unintended error without deception
careless mistake · slip-up · fluke · oversight · lapse in judgment
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