Misinformation / Disinformation

If you have ever finished a discussion feeling like the other person's position moved but you cannot say when — this may be why.

The structure has two claims. One is strong and controversial (the bailey), the other is weak and nearly undeniable (the motte). The strong claim is advanced. When challenged, the speaker retreats to the weak one: "I'm only saying we should be careful."

You cannot disagree with the weak version, so you concede. Then the strong version returns, apparently unrefuted.

Naming which version is being defended, explicitly, is the only counter I know: "Are you claiming X, or are you claiming the weaker Y? Because I disagree with X and agree with Y."

It feels pedantic and it works. The move depends on the ambiguity being left alone.

Does this have a good short name in other languages? "Motte and bailey" needs a castle diagram to explain, which limits how often it gets used.