English vocabulary · C1
Ploy
/plɔɪ/ · n.
A ploy is something a person does to get what they want. The real reason stays hidden until it works.
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Example sentences
- His apology was a ploy to delay the meeting.
- She used a smile as a ploy to get help.
Word origin and roots
- origin — unknown
Synonyms and nuances
- TRICK — make someone believe wrong (Hidden Aim)
- TACTIC — action used to gain something (One Useful Move)
- SCHEME — hidden plan for an advantage (Secret Plan)
Similar words
- trick
- tactic
- scheme
Lesson notes
A ploy is something a person does to get what they want. The real reason stays hidden until it works.
Related: trick, tactic, scheme. Use ploy when a clever act hides the real plan.
His apology was a ploy to delay the meeting. She used a smile as a ploy to get help.
Ploy has an unknown origin. It first appeared in English around 1722. No one knows its first path, but every trick still hides a plan.