Refers to cunning schemes or deceptive techniques used to manipulate others, often in a negative sense.
彼は手管を使って相手をだました。
He used trickery to deceive his opponent.
courtesan's art of seduction; coquetry
Specifically refers to the techniques used by courtesans in the pleasure quarters to attract or deceive customers. Historical and literary flavor.
遊女は手管を尽くして客を魅了した。
The courtesan used all her arts of seduction to captivate the customer.
I'm fed up with politicians' wiles.
wiles; art of coaxing; trickery
The exact derivation is uncertain. The kanji 手 (hand) and 管 (pipe/tube) may suggest 'handling' or 'managing' in a manipulative sense, but this is speculative.