Ruse: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used to describe a clever plan or action intended to deceive someone.

• The fox devised a cunning ruse to escape the hunters.
• He used an elaborate ruse to distract his opponents during the game.

A general term for an action intended to deceive or cheat someone, can be light-hearted or malicious depending on context.

• He played a trick on his friend by hiding his keys.
• The magician's trick left everyone in awe.

This term commonly describes a tactic or strategy used to gain an advantage, often in business or competitive situations.

• The salesperson's ploy to offer a limited-time discount worked flawlessly on the customers.
• Her latest ploy to get promoted involved taking on extra projects.

Typically used to describe a complex and often dishonest plan, which can be perceived negatively.

• The criminals devised an intricate scheme to rob the bank.
• She was implicated in a scheme to falsify financial records.

A ruse is often used to intentionally deceive someone, typically in a clever or crafty manner. This word usually has a negative connotation.

• The burglar used a ruse to distract the guard.
• It was just a ruse to get her to leave the house.

Tactic generally refers to a planned action or strategy designed to achieve a specific goal, often used in the context of business, games, or competitions.

• The company's new marketing tactic increased sales by 20%.
• In chess, each move needs to be a well-thought-out tactic.

A maneuver is typically a planned or skillful movement or series of movements. It is often used in contexts like military operations, sports, or complex situations where strategic planning is involved.

• The general executed a brilliant maneuver to outflank the enemy.
• She performed a complicated maneuver during the skating competition.

A ploy is a clever or cunning plan designed to achieve a particular end, often by manipulating or deceiving someone. This word can sometimes carry a negative implication.

• His offer to help was just a ploy to get her trust.
• The salesman's ploy was to lure customers with false discounts.