clever ruse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clever ruse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a clever plan or deception. For example, "The bank robbers used a clever ruse to fool the security guards and make their escape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

All the while, not a single snickering family member called to mock my credulity and divulge their clever ruse.

The New York Times

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

To get around the chicken tariff, which covered Japanese trucks, they resorted to clever ruses — like importing cabins and beds separately and bolting them together in the United States.

The New York Times

Women heartsick over sons, husbands and fathers lost to previous flare-ups unite to distract their men with clever ruses, from faking a miracle to hiring a troop of Ukrainian strippers.

The Guardian - Film

In the vast literature devoted to the Jewish experience under the Nazis, Mr. Schönhaus's slim book deserves a special place, as much for its tone as for the remarkable events it records: a catalog of hairbreadth escapes, clever ruses and brazen coups.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Gordon's most inventive song, "The Gypsy," a wicked ditty that accompanies Bronte's cleverest ruse, the fortuneteller used by Rochester to turn off Blanche's affections, is all too brief because the scene is a blip.

The New York Times

According to the AFP, the dog spoiled the not-so-clever ruse when it began to bark.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a plan intended to mislead, use "clever ruse" to highlight the intelligence and cunning behind the deception. It suggests the plan is not only deceitful but also skillfully designed.

Common error

Avoid using "clever ruse" to describe simple mistakes or unintentional errors. The phrase implies a deliberate and carefully constructed plan to deceive, not accidental oversights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clever ruse" functions as a noun phrase, where "clever" modifies "ruse". According to Ludwig, it's used to describe a deceptive plan. It is commonly used in various news and media publications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clever ruse" is a phrase used to describe a deceptive plan or trick executed with intelligence and cunning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it serves to highlight sophisticated strategies. Alternative phrases like "ingenious deception" or "crafty trick" can be used to add variety to writing. Remember to use this phrase when emphasizing both the deceitful and intelligent aspects of a plan, and avoid applying it to unintentional errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ingenious deception

Emphasizes the inventiveness and deceitful nature of the scheme.

crafty trick

Highlights the skill and cunning involved in the deceptive act.

artful dodge

Focuses on the skillful evasion or avoidance achieved through deception.

cunning ploy

Underscores the strategic and manipulative aspect of the deception.

deceptive maneuver

Highlights the misleading nature of the action taken.

shrewd scheme

Emphasizes the intelligence and practicality behind the plan.

subtle deception

Focuses on the understated and delicate nature of the deceit.

cagey stratagem

Highlights the caution and secretiveness of the tactic.

sly contrivance

Emphasizes the deviousness and artificiality of the plan.

adroit artifice

Highlights the skill and cunning displayed in the deception.

FAQs

How can I use "clever ruse" in a sentence?

You can use "clever ruse" to describe a plan or action that is both deceptive and intelligent. For example, "The spy employed a "clever ruse" to infiltrate the enemy headquarters."

What are some alternatives to "clever ruse"?

Some alternatives include "ingenious deception", "crafty trick", or "cunning ploy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "clever ruse" formal or informal?

"Clever ruse" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It can be used in news articles, academic papers, and casual conversations.

What is the difference between "clever ruse" and "simple trick"?

A ""clever ruse"" implies a level of sophistication and intelligence in the deception, whereas a "simple trick" suggests a more basic and straightforward form of deceit.