A secret plot, scheme, or trick designed to oppose or defeat another plot or scheme.
Combines 'counter-' (against) with 'machination' (from Latin 'machinatio', from 'machina' meaning machine or device, but also cunning plan). The term describes cunning plots working against other cunning plots.
Countermachinations appear throughout political history—Cleopatra used countermachinations against her brother, and modern intelligence agencies constantly devise them. It's basically a chess game of secret schemes!
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