Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'outfox'

English Word: outfox

Key Russian Translations:

• Перехитрить [pʲɪrʲɪˈxʲitrʲɪtʲ] - [Informal, used in everyday contexts involving clever strategy]

Frequency: Medium (This verb is commonly used in narratives, literature, and casual conversations but not as frequently as basic verbs like "делать").

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, according to CEFR; requires understanding of verb conjugations and idiomatic expressions, making it challenging for beginners but accessible with intermediate knowledge).

Pronunciation (Russian):

Перехитрить: [pʲɪrʲɪˈxʲitrʲɪtʲ]

Note on Перехитрить: The stress falls on the third syllable ("xʲitrʲɪtʲ"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft consonants and palatalization. Pronounce it with a clear "r" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To outsmart or trick someone cleverly in a strategic manner

Translation(s) & Context:

• Перехитрить - Used in informal or narrative contexts to describe outwitting an opponent, such as in games, business, or personal interactions.

Usage Examples:

• Он перехитрил конкурентов в переговорах. (He outfoxed his competitors in the negotiations.)

  Translation: He outfoxed his competitors in the negotiations. (This example shows the verb in a business context with past tense.)

• Дети перехитрили родителей, спрятав сладости. (The children outfoxed their parents by hiding the sweets.)

  Translation: The children outfoxed their parents by hiding the sweets. (Illustrates use in a playful, family setting with accusative objects.)

• В этой истории герой перехитрил злодея с помощью хитрого плана. (In this story, the hero outfoxed the villain with a clever plan.)

  Translation: In this story, the hero outfoxed the villain with a clever plan. (Demonstrates narrative use, often in literature or films.)

• Она всегда перехитряет меня в шахматах. (She always outfoxes me in chess.)

  Translation: She always outfoxes me in chess. (Shows habitual action in a competitive game context.)

• Чтобы перехитрить систему, ему пришлось подумать творчески. (To outfox the system, he had to think creatively.)

  Translation: To outfox the system, he had to think creatively. (Highlights use in abstract or metaphorical scenarios.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Перехитрить" is a verb of the first conjugation in Russian, which means it follows regular patterns for most forms but has some irregularities in perfective aspects. It is a perfective verb, often used in completed actions.

Note: This verb does not have imperfective forms; use "хитрить" for ongoing actions. It remains regular in most cases but watch for stem changes in certain conjugations.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: Обмануть (obmanut' - more about deception than strategy), Переиграть (pereigrat' - to outplay in a game, with a focus on competition)
• Перехитрить and Обмануть are similar but Перехитрить implies cleverness, while Обмануть is straightforward trickery. Переиграть is best for competitive contexts.
• Antonyms: Прогадать (progadat' - to miscalculate or fail strategically)

Related Phrases:

• Перехитрить противника - To outfox the opponent (Common in military or sports contexts, implying a tactical victory).
• Перехитрить судьбу - To outfox fate (Used metaphorically in literature to describe defying destiny).
• Перехитрить систему - To outfox the system (Informal phrase for bypassing rules cleverly, often in everyday life).

Usage Notes:

"Перехитрить" directly corresponds to "outfox" in English by emphasizing intellectual superiority and cleverness, rather than outright deception. It is typically used in informal or narrative settings and carries a positive connotation when applied to protagonists. Be mindful of the perfective aspect, which indicates a completed action—pair it with contexts where the outcome is final. If the action is ongoing, opt for the imperfective synonym "хитрить." For formal writing, consider alternatives like "переиграть" to avoid overly casual tones.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Перехитрить" interchangeably with "Обмануть" without considering nuance. Incorrect: "Он обманул врага" when meaning outsmarting. Correct: "Он перехитрил врага." Explanation: "Обмануть" implies simple lying, while "Перехитрить" involves strategy; this distinction prevents miscommunication in strategic contexts.

• Error: Incorrect conjugation, e.g., saying "Перехитрится" (reflexive form) when not intended. Incorrect: "Я перехитрится." Correct: "Я перехитрю." Explanation: The reflexive form implies self-deception, which changes the meaning entirely—always check the context for reflexivity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "Перехитрить" often appear in folktales and literature, such as in stories by Pushkin or folk heroes like Ivan the Fool, who uses wit to outsmart stronger foes. This reflects a cultural value on cleverness and resourcefulness over brute force, similar to Western tales of trickster figures.

Related Concepts:

• Хитрость (cunning)
• Стратегия (strategy)
• Обман (deception)