scheme Definition
- 1a plan or idea for achieving something, especially something that is not easily or immediately achievable
- 2a large-scale systematic plan or arrangement for attaining some particular object or putting a particular idea into effect
- 3a secret or dishonest plan; a plot
Using scheme: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "scheme" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The government has launched a new scheme to reduce unemployment.
Example
The company's investment scheme was highly successful.
Example
He was involved in a scheme to defraud the bank.
Example
The scheme to overthrow the government was discovered by the authorities.
scheme Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using scheme
Example
He had everything planned out perfectly, but as they say, the best-laid schemes of mice and men often go awry.
Example
She suspected that her colleagues were in on the scheme to defraud the company.
have a secret plan or idea that one is keeping hidden until the right moment
Example
He always has a scheme up his sleeve, so I wouldn't underestimate him.
Phrases with scheme
get-rich-quick scheme
a plan or idea for making a lot of money quickly and easily, often with little effort or investment
Example
The seminar promised to teach attendees a get-rich-quick scheme, but it turned out to be a scam.
Example
The interior designer suggested a color scheme of blues and greens for the living room.
a plan for providing retirement income to employees, typically involving contributions from both the employer and the employee
Example
The company offers a generous pension scheme to its employees.
Origins of scheme
from Old Norse 'skima', meaning 'brightness'
Summary: scheme in Brief
The term 'scheme' [skiหm] refers to a plan or idea for achieving something, often on a large scale. It can be a legitimate program or project, as in 'The government has launched a new scheme to reduce unemployment,' or a secret or dishonest plot, as in 'He was involved in a scheme to defraud the bank.' 'Scheme' extends into phrases like 'get-rich-quick scheme,' and idioms like 'the best-laid schemes of mice and men,' denoting the unpredictability of even the most carefully made plans.