stratagem

Everyday

A clever plan or trick to get what you want or to fool an enemy. tree →

In the lessons

A word for plans in stories, games and history. In The Wind in the Willows Badger's stratagem is to enter Toad Hall by the secret tunnel while the weasels feast; Toad uses many stratagems to escape prison. The Trojan Horse was a famous stratagem in Greek legend. In chess and sport, a stratagem is a smart plan.

Examples

• The secret tunnel was Badger's stratagem. tree →
• The Trojan Horse was a famous stratagem. tree →
• Toad's stratagem was to dress as a washerwoman. tree →
• The fox used a stratagem to get the cheese. tree →
• Her chess stratagem surprised her older brother. tree →
• The general thought of a stratagem to cross the river. tree →
• It is wiser for me to resort to stratagem and come upon my enemies unawares. tree →

Note

Countable noun, a bit formal. Spelling: strat-a-gem (not -egy). Related but different: «strategy» (a long plan); a stratagem is one clever trick.

In Jewish tradition

In Daniel, it means skill in cunning plots and tricks, used by a fierce king.

Interpretation. Tradition often reads this vision as being about the Greek ruler Antiochus, who persecuted the Jews. It is also read as a warning about later tyrants.

Examples

• And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have completed their transgression, there shall stand up a king of fierce countenance, and understanding stratagems. (Writings DAN.8.23, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable noun, a bit formal. Spelling: strat-a-gem (not -egy). Related but different: «strategy» (a long plan); a stratagem is one clever trick.