ploy

[ ploi ]

noun

1. a maneuver or stratagem, as in conversation, to gain the advantage.

   Synonyms: gambit, wile, subterfuge, ruse, tactic

verb (used with object)

1. Military Archaic. to move (troops) from a line into a column. Compare deploy.

verb (used without object)

1. Military Archaic. to move from a line into a column.

ploy

/ plɔɪ /

noun

1. a manoeuvre or tactic in a game, conversation, etc; stratagem; gambit
2. any business, job, hobby, etc, with which one is occupied

   angling is his latest ploy

3. a frolic, escapade, or practical joke

Other Words From

• counter·ploy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ploy¹

1475–85; earlier ploye to bend < Middle French ployer ( French plier ) < Latin plicāre to fold, ply ²; deploy

Word History and Origins

Origin of ploy¹

C18: originally Scot and northern English, perhaps from obsolete n sense of employ meaning an occupation

Example Sentences

For Trump’s critics, his selections make it clear that his disavowal of the conservative playbook was nothing more than a campaign ploy to pacify voters who viewed the plan as too far to the right.

From Los Angeles Times

White writes that ABC assumed his family was pulling a ”sick-out,” a common ploy used by parents of child stars angling for more money.

From Los Angeles Times

“If you think this bill is about protecting women and not simply a ploy to get on Fox News, you've been fooled,” she wrote.

From Salon

Now, federal labor regulators say the company’s back-to-office order was an unlawful ploy to retaliate against the workers’ union organizing efforts.

From Los Angeles Times

Brighton’s strategy of attacking City’s right flank looked like a deliberate ploy, with 44.9% of their attacks targeting that wing as opposed to 26.9% on the left.

From BBC

Related Words

• device
• maneuver
• ruse
• scheme
• stratagem
• subterfuge
• tactic