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.

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 Word Forms

• counterploy 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

Under the circumstances, the GOP’s insistence that the healthcare subsidies be taken out of the current budget debate and deferred to the end of the year looks like a cynical ploy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Is the Southern California Edison settlement proposal a fair deal or a ploy to avoid bigger payouts?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Some said the move was merely a ploy by Fico to distract attention from falling poll ratings and unpopular policies.

Read more on BBC

He later claimed that his escape was a ploy to get his sentence extended and avoid extradition to Thailand, where he was wanted for five more murders and was sure to get the death penalty.

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Reform denounced the plan as a "cynical ploy to fool voters that something is being done about illegal immigration".

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Related Words

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