ply (redirected from plying for hire)

ply (someone with something else)

to try to supply or give something to someone. (Implies an attempt to influence or fawn upon someone.) We plied the mayor with gifts and favors, but it got us nowhere. Don't try to ply the police officer with gifts. That is considered a bribe.

ply between (something and something else)

to travel between things or places regularly or constantly. There are a number of small craft that ply between Santerem and Manaus on a regular basis. Our little ship was unable to ply the entire distance between the two islands.

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ply your trade  (literary)

to do your usual work or business Fishermen in small boats ply their trade up and down the coast.

See also: trade

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ply somebody with something

to give someone a lot of something We were plied with coffee, doughnuts, and refreshments. He plied me with liquor, hoping to get me drunk.

Usage notes: often used in the form ply someone with questions (to ask someone a lot of questions): Anxious to hear the latest news, they plied us with questions.

ply your trade (slightly formal)

to do your usual work Fishermen in small boats ply their trade up and down the coast.

See also: trade