ruse — A cunning stratagem or trick used to deceive someone
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A cunning stratagem or trick used to deceive someone
Pronunciation (IPA): /ruːz/
Example Sentences
- His fake injury was just a ruse to get out of the marathon.
- The student's elaborate ruse involving a fake doctor's note backfired spectacularly.
- The spy used a ruse to infiltrate the enemy's headquarters.
ruse
NOUN[/ruːz/]
A cunning stratagem or trick used to deceive someone
a sly merchant in colorful robes pretends to accidentally drop a small pouch while walking past a wealthy-looking customer. The merchant quickly bends down and picks up the pouch, then approaches the customer claiming he saw them drop it. The customer looks confused but accepts the pouch, not realizing it contains worthless stones instead of the gold coins they expect. Meanwhile, the merchant has already pickpocketed the customer's real coin purse during the distraction. Other marketplace visitors continue shopping in the background, unaware of the clever deception taking place. a cunning stratagem being used to deceive someone
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From French 'ruser' meaning 'to dodge' or 'to avoid.' Originally described how hunted animals would trick hunters to escape, later expanded to mean any clever trick or stratagem.
Breakdown
ruse (from French 'ruser' = to dodge/deceive) - no clear prefix/suffix breakdown, borrowed as complete word
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His fake injury was just a ruse to get out of the marathon.”
“The student's elaborate ruse involving a fake doctor's note backfired spectacularly.”
“The spy used a ruse to infiltrate the enemy's headquarters.”
“She pretended to be interested in his hobby as a ruse to get closer to him.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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