a clever ruse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clever ruse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deceptive trick or strategy that is smartly devised. Example: "The magician's act was filled with a clever ruse that left the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

It was a clever ruse, cloaking her own cheese inside another one with a more pungent sting.

The New York Times - Arts

Jeff Croft, Lendle's founder, says he will not make that mistake again.Amazon resorted to a clever ruse when blocking Lendle.

The Economist

Half-way along the Embankment the police adopted a clever ruse to stop the crowds from passing farther west.

The Guardian

When this failed, she tried to cover her tracks by a clever ruse which resulted in the death of at least one person.

The New Yorker

WHEN my dad, Allen Funt, produced "Candid Microphone" back in the mid-1940s, he used a clever ruse to titillate listeners.

The New York Times

The Maginot line was a clever ruse to prevent a German invasion of France which cost around 5bn francs and took 10 years to build in the 1930s.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But it's all a hoax, a very clever ruse concocted by Marc Dantonio, the chief photo and video analyst for the Mutual UFO Network.

Huffington Post

It could all be a devilishly clever ruse — Phase One, or Plan Nine, or something.

The New Yorker

But while many believe the leak looks legitimate, the hackers could have pulled off a very clever ruse.

Forbes

It's a clever, clever ruse but these guys have taken something that is abysmally painful and made it fun and exciting.

TechCrunch

Agents of SHIELD's campaign team came up with a clever marketing ruse today, setting up appeal posters in various locations around London.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clever ruse" to describe a plan or action that is not only deceptive but also demonstrates intelligence and ingenuity. Ensure the context highlights both the trickery and the smart thinking behind it.

Common error

Avoid using "a clever ruse" in situations that involve serious ethical breaches or grave consequences. Its lighthearted connotation can undermine the severity of the situation. Consider alternatives like "deceptive scheme" or "elaborate hoax" for more serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever ruse" functions as a noun phrase, where "clever" modifies the noun "ruse". It describes a specific instance of deception or trickery characterized by ingenuity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clever ruse" is a noun phrase used to describe a deceptive plan or action marked by intelligence and ingenuity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider its connotations of both deception and cleverness, and ensure it fits the tone of your writing. Alternatives such as "a cunning scheme" or "an ingenious ploy" can be used to convey similar meanings. Avoid using it in contexts where the deception is too serious or unethical, as the word "clever" may undermine the severity of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cunning scheme

Emphasizes the skillful and deceitful nature of the plan.

an ingenious ploy

Highlights the inventiveness and strategic element of the trick.

a smart tactic

Focuses on the strategic aspect, implying a well-thought-out maneuver.

a crafty maneuver

Stresses the skill and cunning involved in the action.

a wily stratagem

Implies a clever and deceptive plan to achieve a goal.

a deceptive trick

Directly points out the misleading nature of the act.

a shrewd deception

Highlights the astuteness and deceptiveness of the act.

a subtle artifice

Suggests a delicate and refined form of trickery.

an artful dodge

Focuses on the skillful avoidance of a problem or situation.

a calculated deception

Emphasizes the deliberate and planned nature of the trick.

FAQs

How can "a clever ruse" be used in a sentence?

"A clever ruse" is used to describe a plan or action that is deceptive but also intelligent and well-executed. For example: "The escape plan was "a clever ruse", designed to confuse the guards."

What are some alternatives to "a clever ruse"?

Alternatives to "a clever ruse" include "a cunning scheme", "an ingenious ploy", or "a smart tactic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a clever ruse" formal or informal?

"A clever ruse" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in journalistic or narrative writing.

What's the difference between "a clever ruse" and "a simple trick"?

While both involve deception, "a clever ruse" implies a degree of intelligence and complexity in the deceptive plan, whereas "a simple trick" suggests a more straightforward and less sophisticated deception.