Usage Note
Machination almost always appears in the plural machinations and refers to secretive, underhanded plotting to harm someone or achieve a dishonest end. It is a somewhat literary or journalistic word; complot is the more everyday synonym for 'plot'. The verb machiner means 'to scheme' or 'to engineer a plot'.
Examples
"Il a découvert leurs machinations."
Natural Translation
He uncovered their scheming.

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