Directions: Choose the correct synonym for the underlined word.

A series of impressive manoeuvres by the chairman had secured a lucrative contract for the company.

Manoeuvres means strategic movements, actions, or schemes planned to achieve something. In business, clever manoeuvres refer to calculated actions to secure advantages. 'Clever action' captures this strategic sense. Gestures are physical movements, lisping and stutter are speech impediments - all unrelated to strategic action.