To surreptitiously arrange something in order to gain an unfair advantage, or to alter an outcome
dog in the hunt
Something that may lead to gain, depending on the outcome; a position …
draw fire
To create a distraction that allows one's friends, co-workers, or othe…
steal a march
To gain an advantage unobserved.
score off
To defeat (especially in an argument), get the better of, achieve a su…
rob Peter to pay Paul
To use resources that legitimately belong to or are needed by one part…
gain time
To cause a delay by a circuitous mode of procedure in order to obtain …