The crossword solution for the term 'clever action' is 'COUP'. A COUP is a sudden, often violent, overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system. It is usually done by a small group of people who are not part of the existing government. The term is derived from the French word for 'BLOW' or 'STROKE'. Historically, coups have been used to gain power and control over a population, often with disastrous results.