Dodge classes by Pearl, perhaps? (9)
I believe the answer is:
stratagem
'dodge' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'classes by pearl perhaps?' is the wordplay.
'classes' becomes 'strata' (I've seen this before).
'by' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'pearl perhaps?' becomes 'gem' (pearl is a kind of gem).
'strata'+'gem'='STRATAGEM'
(Other definitions for stratagem that I've seen before include "Clever scheme" , "could be a trick" , "Start game with cunning plan" , "way to outwit opponent" , "Manoeuvre - Ma's target (anag)" .)