A few days ago
rlm1985

What is someone called if they hide their skills/abilities in order to gain a later advantage?

Other than the obvious “hustler” slang term, I think there was a more formal name for someone who demonstrates this. It may be a philosophical/psychological term for one’s role.

I’m interested in learning about those who have adopted this strategy, so any insight is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Top 9 Answers
A few days ago
mein1962

Favorite Answer

sand bagging is the term… aka–holding out. It is done so that the opponent builds confidence and a sand bagger takes advantage the moment his opponent gets too confident. I can see why some would call it passive aggressive because a sand bagger has to be passive and then suddenly aggressive. It is a strategy for winning. The psychology behind sandbagging is to lay low, appear ignorant and then at the most opportune time, out of nowhere (cause no one is paying attention to you) BAM! you win. Element of surprise … bottom line.
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A few days ago
?
The person is being secretive with an ulterior motive… said the spider to the fly. It’s game-playing, or role-playing.

I’ve usually been plainly somewhat idiotic, with moments of lucidity; so I can’t say whether it’s a game or not. It feels real to me, and I sure do make a lot of mistakes, I can say that alright! It’s the lucid moments that take people (and me) by surprise…

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A few days ago
Kimberlee Ann
A manipulator. A strategist? A scam artist (you can put an e on the end of artist to make it sound more formal).
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A few days ago
zappafan
I believe the term you seek is President Bush Jnr …
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A few days ago
and_y_knot
The word that comes to mind is “ringer”, but it does not sound formal and I don’t know how its usage came about…
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A few days ago
Anonymous
That’s called a fiancee.
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A few days ago
Anonymous
It’s called sand bagging. Never let anyone know how much you know.
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A few days ago
Anonymous
I think that’s called passive/aggressive

I’m not certain, but that’s my best guess.

Good luck

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A few days ago
epat87
Ace in the hole. Or a schill.
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