stratagem

trick, ruse, stratagem, maneuver, artifice, wile, feint mean an indirect means to gain an end. trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

• • the tricks of the trade

ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

• • the ruses of smugglers

stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

• • the stratagem-filled game

maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

• • last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

• • the clever artifices of the stage

wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements.

• • used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself

feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.

• • a feint toward the enemy's left flank