dirty tactics
Below the belt
Dirty tactics are underhanded or unethical methods used to gain advantage, especially in competition, politics, or negotiation.
The phrase implies rule-bending, deception, or exploitation of weaknesses rather than fair play: The campaign resorted to dirty tactics in the final weeks.
What counts as dirty depends on context—a hard foul in sports, spreading rumors in an election, or hidden fees in a contract.
- underhandedSecretly dishonest or unfair
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- stab in the backTreachery against an ally
- backstabbingCovert betrayal of trust
sabotage · smear · smear campaign · character assassination · blackmail · deception · ruthless · cunning · treachery · low blow · hit below the belt · cheap shot · cheating · ambush · betrayal · conniving · foul play · cutthroat
dirty tacticsfair play
Honorable conduct in games
integrity · good faith · ethical practices · gentlemanly conduct · square dealing
dirty tacticssportsmanship
Ethical athletic conduct
good sportsmanship · fair competition · fair dealing · level playing field · chivalry
dirty tacticstransparency
State of being see-through
straightforwardness · candor · direct approach · plain dealing · cards on the table
dirty, dirt, dirtier, dirtiest, dirtily, dirtiness, tactic, tactical, tactically