I was under the impression it had a meaning like “coerce [by means of gifts]”, but apparently it’s closer to “supply”. As such, I ‘lost’ the word that I thought it was.
I have an inkling that the meaning I thought it had is a connotation, but I’m not certain. How have you seen it used?
I think there is a connotation that one is supplying the person for ulterior/underhanded motives. I would ply a politician with hookers to get a law changed, or ply a source with alcohol so that I can ask him questions with less resistance… but plying customers with apples in exchange for fair market value just sounds weird.
I’m glad! I don’t like losing vocabulary (I was sad when I lost “ply”, and am still conflicted over the word’s correct meaning).
Also: that’s a brilliant entry you’ve linked to there, and I’ll have to toss it around in my brain a bit. Thanks!
Why did you lose ply?
I was under the impression it had a meaning like “coerce [by means of gifts]”, but apparently it’s closer to “supply”. As such, I ‘lost’ the word that I thought it was.
I have an inkling that the meaning I thought it had is a connotation, but I’m not certain. How have you seen it used?
I think there is a connotation that one is supplying the person for ulterior/underhanded motives. I would ply a politician with hookers to get a law changed, or ply a source with alcohol so that I can ask him questions with less resistance… but plying customers with apples in exchange for fair market value just sounds weird.
Okay, good, I’m glad you sense a similar connotation! Thanks :)