petty trick; ruse; small scheme
Refers to a minor, often cunning plan or trick, usually with a negative or dismissive nuance. Not a grand strategy.
I won't be fooled by his petty tricks anymore.
Such a small scheme won't solve the problem.
Compound of 小 (small) and 策 (plan, scheme). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning is transparent from its components.