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ploy

noun

/plɔɪ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of ploy

A strategic or cunning maneuver or action employed to achieve a specific purpose or gain an advantage, especially in a competitive or manipulative context.
"The team's unexpected formation change was a tactical ploy to confuse the opposing team."

Detailed meaning of ploy

It typically involves a clever and often deceptive scheme or tactic designed to deceive, distract, or manipulate others. Ploys are commonly used in various areas, such as business, politics, sports, and interpersonal relationships. They can range from subtle strategies to more overt and overtly manipulative actions. Ploys are often employed to outwit or gain an upper hand over opponents, rivals, or adversaries. The effectiveness of a ploy lies in its ability to create an advantage or achieve a desired outcome through crafty or calculated means. However, ploys can be perceived as manipulative or unethical depending on the context and intentions behind their use.

Example sentences containing ploy

1. The politician's promise to lower taxes was just a ploy to gain more votes.
2. The chess player executed a brilliant ploy to trap their opponent's queen.
3. The marketing campaign used a clever ploy to create a sense of urgency among consumers.
4. The spy relied on a series of intricate ploys to gather classified information.
5. The CEO's decision to lay off employees was seen as a cost-cutting ploy by the company.
6. The magician's disappearing act was an impressive ploy to captivate the audience.

History and etymology of ploy

The noun 'ploy' has an interesting etymological background. It derives from the Middle English word 'ployen,' which means to bend or fold. This Middle English term was influenced by the Old French word 'ployer,' which also meant to bend or fold. However, over time, the meaning of 'ploy' shifted from a physical act of bending or folding to a more figurative sense. It came to represent a strategic or cunning maneuver or action employed to achieve a specific purpose or gain an advantage, especially in competitive or manipulative contexts. This evolution of meaning reflects the idea that just as one might fold or manipulate physical objects to achieve a desired outcome, one can also employ cunning tactics or strategies to achieve their goals in various situations.

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Further usage examples of ploy

1. The negotiator employed a clever ploy to make the opposing party lower their demands.
2. The salesperson used a persuasive ploy to convince customers to buy the product.
3. The detective unraveled the criminal's ploy to frame an innocent person for the crime.
4. The student's excuse for not completing the assignment was nothing more than a ploy to avoid punishment.
5. The defendant's defense attorney employed a clever ploy to cast doubt on the prosecution's case.
6. The company's announcement of a new product was seen as a ploy to boost stock prices.
7. The romantic gesture turned out to be a ploy to win back the ex-partner's affections.
8. The gossip spreader used a deceptive ploy to sow discord among friends.
9. The hacker's phishing email was a ploy to trick users into revealing their personal information.
10. The villain's elaborate scheme was a ploy to distract the superhero and carry out their evil plan.
11. The celebrity's controversial tweet was seen as a publicity ploy to stay in the limelight.
12. The athlete's fake injury was a ploy to buy more time during the game.
13. The pickpocket's distraction was a ploy to steal wallets from unsuspecting victims.
14. His clever ploy caught everyone off guard during the negotiation.
15. Using flattery as a ploy, she gained their trust effortlessly.
16. The company's marketing ploy led to a surge in sales.
17. It was a risky ploy, but it paid off handsomely in the end.
18. The politician's latest ploy was met with skepticism from the public.
19. The chess grandmaster executed a brilliant opening ploy.
20. Her elaborate ploy to win the game left her opponents stunned.
21. The spy's ingenious ploy allowed him to infiltrate the enemy's ranks.
22. The rival team's unexpected ploy took us by surprise.
23. His constant use of the same ploy became predictable over time.
24. The cunning ploy secured her a coveted spot in the competition.