finesse
noun
1. intricate and refined delicacy:
手際良さ, 技巧(のさえ), 精巧さ
e.g. orchestral playing of great finesse.
artful subtlety, typically that needed for tactful handling of a difficulty:
策略, 術策
e.g. clients want advice and action that calls for considerable finesse.
2. (in bridge and whist) an attempt to win a trick with a card that is not a certain winner.
verb with object
1. do (something) in a subtle and delicate manner:
e.g. his third shot, which he attempted to finesse, failed by a fraction.
mainly North American slyly attempt to avoid blame or censure when dealing with (a situation or action):
｟主に米｠ (…を)巧妙に処理する; (…を)策略［術策］を用いて乗り切る
e.g. the administration's attempts to finesse its mishaps.
2. (in bridge and whist) play (a card that is not a certain winner) in the hope of winning a trick with it:
〘トランプ〙 (〈カード〉を)フィネスする.
e.g. the declarer finesses ♦J.
ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense ‘purity, delicacy’): from French, related to fine1.