• machination
    DEFINITION: (noun) A crafty scheme or cunning design for the accomplishment of a sinister end. SYNONYMS: intrigue. USAGE: During his early youth he had to contend against the machinations of a malignant uncle, who would have robbed him of his large possessions. Discuss […]
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Keep your fingers crossed

fingers crossed
something that you say to show that you hope that what you have just said will happen or be true.
Fingers crossed, we’ll get the job done in time, but there’s still an awful lot to do.

behind someone’s back

if you do something behind someone’s back, you do it without them knowing, in a way which is unfair.
I don’t want to talk about it behind his back. She was accused of going behind her colleagues’ backs to talk to management.