cabildear

Senses

1. 1.

   to lobby; to maneuver behind the scenes

   to exert influence through scheming or political maneuvering, often to achieve a personal goal

2. 2.

   to conspire; to plot

   to scheme or work together secretly against someone

Examples

• "Los políticos cabildean constantemente para obtener fondos para sus proyectos."

  Politicians constantly lobby to obtain funding for their projects.

• "Se sospecha que algunos miembros del consejo cabileaban contra el director."

  It is suspected that some board members were scheming against the director.

• "Ha estado cabildando dentro del partido para conseguir la candidatura."

  He has been maneuvering within the party to secure the nomination.

Usage

Derived from *cabildo* (town council or cathedral chapter), this verb carries a slightly pejorative tone, implying underhanded or self-interested manipulation. Common in political and institutional contexts. Regular -ar conjugation.