Definitions

1. noun

a clever or deceitful plan or action

“The politician’s ploy to gain public sympathy was successful.”

2. verb

to make something appear to be other than it is, often by clever or deceitful means

“She tried to ploy her way out of trouble by blaming someone else.”

3. noun

a maneuver or tactic

“The team’s ploy to surprise the opponent with a new strategy paid off.”