contrive

coin, design, hatch, produce

daydream, dream, fantasize

conceive, envisage, envision, imagine, picture, vision, visualize

ad-lib, extemporize, improvise

counterplot

brew, concoct, cook (up), devise, hatch

engineer, jockey, maneuver, manipulate

design, frame, lay out, map, plan, shape

arrange, concert, conclude, hammer out, work out

angle (for), compass, intrigue, plot, scheme

connive

brew, concoct, cook (up), hatch

captain, command, conduct, direct, handle, manage, quarterback, run

gerrymander