The term 'clever maneuver' can be broken down into three crossword solutions: COUP (4 letters), PLOY (4 letters), and NEATTRICK (9 letters). A COUP is a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government. A PLOY is a clever plan or trick used to gain an advantage. A neat trick is a clever or skillful action. All three terms refer to a clever maneuver, which is a clever or skillful action taken to gain an advantage.