Steven Spielberg's biographical drama portrays the 16th president of the United States as an ambivalent leader, not above twisting arms and exploiting the system to get the right thing done.
Verb
suddenly show that you do not want to do something
This month, travelers balking at Rome’s accommodation costs can pay their way with anything from a saxophone lesson to fresh pastries. Bartering hopefuls can get as creative as they want, but many B&B's also suggest trades.
Savvy netizens routinely circumvent government attempts to block websites, using social media and online anonymity to embarrass and even topple their governments.
Noun
object mildly to something you do not want to but have been asked to do
J. Lo slunk in for a mysterious meeting inside presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama’s DC office. Asked why, she demurred saying, “I’m not ready to do any press yet.”
Flocks of art lovers have decided to ditch the National Gallery and get on a Street Art London tour bus that leads visitors through Shoreditch's colorful streets, a vast outdoor museum.
The Smithsonian is dithering over whether to display artifacts salvaged from a wreck off the coast of Indonesia, as many feel the site was commercially exploited.
It's pretty simple to get out of jury duty. If you say you're biased, whether you really have a strong prejudice or are just trying to escape your civic duty, the attorneys won't want you on the case.
Verb
avoid responsibilities by pretending to be ill
Laguerre Payen was sentenced to twenty-five years in jail for a planned terrorist attack. His trial was protracted until the judge determined if he was malingering.
A "large scale Canada-U.S. cheese smuggling operation" has been brought down, after an international investigation tracked criminals who were skirting import duties and Canada's higher cheese prices.