dishonest ploy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dishonest ploy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deceptive tactic or scheme intended to manipulate or mislead someone. Example: "The company's announcement was just a dishonest ploy to distract the public from their ongoing legal issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Invoking the profession as a metaphor for all that is holy or wicked in the world is a cheap and dishonest ploy by politicians to connect with working-class voters, at the expense of distorting the economic realities on the ground.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm disappointed that so many liberal media types immediately attacked Flake's book as a dishonest ploy.

Huffington Post

While Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky). and the GOP seem to have won a victory with this nomination, their polarizing and dishonest ploy may yet come back to haunt them.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But as Mr. Roberts should see, buying into a lower appellate court's skewed approach to judging and a dishonest Republican ploy to defeat women's freedom to make their own childbearing decisions is no way to build trust in his leadership or institution.

Huffington Post

"So dishonest!

The Guardian

Why "dishonest"?

The New Yorker

It is dishonest trading.

Independent

The dishonest amah.

The New Yorker

It's fundamentally dishonest".

The New York Times

That would be dishonest.

The New York Times - Sports

But this is dishonest.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dishonest ploy" when you want to emphasize both the deception and the strategic intent behind an action. It's stronger than simply calling something a lie.

Common error

While "dishonest ploy" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Simpler terms like "lie" or "trick" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dishonest ploy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes a particular action or strategy as being both deceitful and intentional, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dishonest ploy" is a noun phrase used to describe a deceptive and strategic action. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily found in News & Media contexts. While relatively rare, it serves to condemn or criticize manipulative behavior. When writing, it's best to consider if a simpler term would be more appropriate for informal contexts. Several alternative phrases exist, such as "deceptive scheme" or "fraudulent tactic", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deceptive scheme

Focuses on the planned and organized nature of the deception.

fraudulent tactic

Emphasizes the illegality or unethical nature of the action.

manipulative strategy

Highlights the intention to control or influence someone unfairly.

underhanded maneuver

Suggests secrecy and a lack of integrity in the action.

crafty ruse

Implies cleverness and cunning in the deceptive act.

insincere tactic

Focuses on the lack of genuine intent or honesty.

treacherous gambit

Indicates a high-stakes, potentially risky deceptive play.

shady trick

Suggests moral ambiguity and a lack of transparency.

deceitful game

Highlights the playful yet misleading nature of the tactic.

conniving plan

Emphasizes the malicious and scheming nature of the plan.

FAQs

How can I use "dishonest ploy" in a sentence?

You can use "dishonest ploy" to describe a deceptive action intended to manipulate someone. For example, "The politician's promise was seen as a "dishonest ploy" to win votes."

What are some alternatives to "dishonest ploy"?

Some alternatives include "deceptive scheme", "fraudulent tactic", or "manipulative strategy". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "dishonest ploy" a formal or informal phrase?

"Dishonest ploy" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for news articles, opinion pieces, and professional communication. In very informal contexts, simpler words might be preferred.

What's the difference between a "dishonest ploy" and a "simple lie"?

A "simple lie" is a straightforward untruth. A "dishonest ploy" implies a more elaborate and strategic deception, designed to achieve a specific goal through manipulation.