maquinar

Senses

1. 1.

   to scheme, to plot

   to devise a secret or devious plan, often with harmful intent

2. 2.

   to machinate, to conspire

   to engage in cunning plans or conspiracies against someone or something

Examples

• "Eles estavam maquinando um golpe contra o presidente da empresa."

  They were plotting a coup against the company's president.

• "Não sei o que você está maquinando, mas não vai dar certo."

  I don't know what you're scheming, but it's not going to work.

• "Os inimigos maquinaram sua queda por meses."

  The enemies conspired for his downfall for months.

Usage

Formal or literary register. Usually carries a negative connotation, implying secretive or malicious planning. Common collocation: "maquinar contra alguém" (to plot against someone). The noun form is "maquinação" (machination, scheme).