ploy
n. countablen. a clever or dishonest plan used to trick someone into doing what you want. It is often used to gain an advantage in a competition or an argument.
n. a cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one's own advantage. Often implies a degree of manipulation or strategic deception.
The low price was just a ploy to get customers into the store.
The company's sudden interest in environmental issues was seen by many as a marketing ploy to improve its public image.
In a desperate diplomatic ploy, the ambassador leaked the documents to the press, hoping that public outrage would force the government to reconsider its stance on the treaty.
Possibly from a shortened form of employ or deploy. Or from earlier ploye, from Middle English, borrowed from Middle French ployer (compare modern plier), from Latin plicāre.
Probably abbreviated from deploy.
Commonly used with verbs like 'use', 'devise', or 'resort to'.