ploy
Devious tactical move
A ploy is a cunning maneuver or tactic designed to gain an advantage, often by deceiving or manipulating others: It was just a ploy to get my attention.
The word suggests calculation rather than spontaneity—a ploy is deliberate, even if transparent: His sudden interest in her hobbies was an obvious ploy.
Calculated strategy, often secretive
- ruseDeliberate act of deception
- stratagemDeceptive plan for advantage
- trickDeliberate deception
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
artifice · wile · gambit · feint · bluff · hoax · charade · sham
Planned action for advantage
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- approachWay of handling something
- calculationMathematical problem-solving process
- positioningArranging in specific locations
countermove · opening · endgame · sacrifice · setup · chess · checkmate · outmaneuver
Deliberate tactical movement
- flankingAt the sides of
- feintDeceptive mock attack
- diversionRedirection of attention
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
encirclement · counterattack · deployment · tactical · offensive · decoy · distraction · outflanking
Storyline or land parcel
- intrigueSecret plotting or fascination
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
- collusionFraudulent secret cooperation
- cabalScheming political faction
frameup · setup · fix · scheming · manipulation · connivance · backstabbing
scheme
Calculated strategy, often secretive
subterfuge · artifice · wile · gambit · feint · bluff · hoax · charade · sham · con
tactic
Planned action for advantage
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- approachWay of handling something
- calculationMathematical problem-solving process
positioning · countermove · opening · endgame · sacrifice · setup · chess · checkmate · outmaneuver
maneuver
Deliberate tactical movement
ambush · encirclement · counterattack · deployment · tactical · offensive · decoy · distraction · outflanking
plot
Storyline or land parcel
- intrigueSecret plotting or fascination
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
- collusionFraudulent secret cooperation
cabal · frameup · setup · fix · scheming · manipulation · connivance · backstabbing
gimmick
Attention-getting device or trick
- strategystrategy, grand strategy, tactics, tactic, tactical
- cunningcunning, craftiness, crafty, guile, slyness
- cunning tacticscunning, guile, ruse, stratagem, gambit
- gimmicksgimmick, trick, stunt, gag, schtick
- hidden motivesulterior motive, hidden agenda, secret plan, scheming, plotting
- schemesschemes, scheme, plots, plot, conspiracies
ployhonesty
Truthfulness, sincerity
sincerity · candor · straightforwardness · forthrightness · directness
ployspontaneity
Acting without forethought
genuineness · naturalness · impulsiveness · artlessness · unaffectedness
- romantic ployStrategy to attract someone