rue and ruse

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*.


RUE

: REGRET, SORROW *with rue my heart is laden — A. E. Housman*