(~s)
1.
A ~ is an action or set of actions, which you carry out in order to try to gain an advantage in a situation or game.
He sees the proposal as more of a diplomatic ~ than a serious defense proposal...
Campaign strategists are calling the plan a clever political ~.
= ploy, tactic
N-COUNT: usu with supp
2.
A ~ is a remark which you make to someone in order to start or continue a conversation with them.
His favourite opening ~ is: ‘You are so beautiful, will you be my next wife?’...
Bernard made no response to Tom’s conversational ~s.
N-COUNT: usu with supp