finesse
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To evade (a problem, situation, etc.) by using some clever argument or stratagem. — To obtain something from someone through trickery or manipulation.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
I was tryin'a finesse you outta them drawers, and you finessed a nigga out his heart," he said with a chuckle, "But that's cool. 'Cause I know it's in good hands."
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “finesse” mean?
To evade (a problem, situation, etc.) by using some clever argument or stratagem. — To obtain something from someone through trickery or manipulation.
Is “finesse” formal or informal?
finesse is generally slang.