true mastermind
- noun
:
verdadero genio
- The detective uncovered that the politician was the true mastermind behind the entire corruption scandal, orchestrating everything from behind the scenes.
Examples
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Her colleagues often called her the true mastermind of the company's success.
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Detectives eventually discovered that the true mastermind behind the operation had never been seen at the scene.
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Many believed he was simply a spokesperson, but in reality, he was the true mastermind of the plan.
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He is a true mastermind of the project.
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The true mastermind behind the operation remains unknown.
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In the planning meeting, it became clear that Sarah was the true mastermind, coming up with strategies that would lead the project to success.
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After months of investigation, the authorities identified him as the true mastermind of the intricate heist, brilliantly coordinating every step.
Synonyms
137
5.1
A person who plans and directs actions in war or business
77
6.1
A person who plans and leads a difficult, clever project
11
8.2
A person who plans secret actions to harm or cheat others
1
8.3
A person who thinks up clever plans or ideas
A person who plans actions to win in war or competition
Antonyms
How Strategic
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase combines the adjective 'true' (genuine/real) with the noun 'mastermind' (a person who plans and directs), so the overall meaning — a genuinely clever planner — is directly derivable from its parts. This adjective + noun intensifier pattern is transparent and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words will understand it.
Etymology
True mastermind creates a picture of a person whose master mind quietly plans every move, like a chess player controlling all the pieces. So, calling someone a true mastermind means they are the real, skillful planner working 'behind the scenes'.