underlyingscheme
nounUK /ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ skiːm/
US /ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ skiːm/
A hidden plan that makes something else happen.
The underlying scheme of the game is to teach kids about sharing.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The main plan that supports a bigger project.
The underlying scheme of the building shows where the pipes go.
3. A secret plot that is not easy to see.
The detective found an underlying scheme to cheat the contest.
4. The basic pattern behind how something works.
The underlying scheme of the puzzle is simple once you see it.