# ploy

/ˈpɫɔɪ/ (US) · /plˈɔɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ploy
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 2. military formation

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

to move soldiers from a wide line into a narrow column.

For teachers: to reduce the front of a military formation by forming a column from a line of troops.

- The commander ordered the battalion to ploy as they entered the narrow valley.
- The infantry was ordered to ploy into columns to facilitate a rapid advance through the restricted terrain of the mountain pass.

Usage: This term is specific to historical or formal military maneuvers and is the opposite of 'deploy'.

### 3. fun or games

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Dialect

a fun activity, a game, or a bit of excitement.

For teachers: an escapade, frolic, or social entertainment.

- The children were looking for some new ploy to keep themselves busy.
- After the formal dinner, the younger guests headed to the village green for a bit of a ploy.

Teaching tip: This sense is primarily found in Scottish English and Northern British dialects; in standard international English, the 'tactic' sense is much more common.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.