# ruse

/ˈɹuz/ (US) · /ɹˈuːs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ruse
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a clever trick or a plan that is used to deceive someone. You use it when someone pretends to do one thing while actually doing another.

For teachers: a clever stratagem or trick intended to deceive or outmaneuver an opponent. Often implies a degree of sophistication or calculated misdirection.

## Examples

- He used a fake phone call as a ruse to leave.
- The soldiers used a fake retreat as a ruse to lure the enemy into the open field.
- The elaborate ruse involved forged documents and a series of shell companies, all designed to distract investigators from the actual source of the funds.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'to' followed by an infinitive verb.

---

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.