Meaning & Definition of word "Cunning"
to
Cunning
/ˈkʌnɪŋ/
noun:
- 1. Skill in deception or evasion.
- Example: The criminal was known for his cunning and ability to escape capture.
- 2. A quality of being crafty or sly.
- Example: The cunning of the politician was evident in the way he twisted the facts.
adjective:
- 1. Having or showing skill in achieving one’s ends by deceit or evasion.
- Example: The cunning fox outsmarted the hunters at every turn.
- 2. Shrewd or crafty in the use of special resources.
- Example: Her cunning plan to save money involved buying in bulk.
- 3. Displaying ingenuity or cleverness.
- Example: He had a cunning talent for finding loopholes in the rules.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'conin', from Latin 'cunnus' meaning 'female genitalia', implying craftiness.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cunning as a fox:
extremely shrewd or crafty.
cunning plan:
a clever and often dishonest scheme.
cunning trick:
a deceitful maneuver aimed at achieving a specific goal.
Related Words
cunningness:
The quality of being cunning.
cunningly:
In a way that shows skill in being deceitful or crafty.
cunning stunts:
Tricks or maneuvers that require skill and cleverness.
Slang Meanings of cunning
Meaning: Sly and clever in a deceitful way.
Example Sentence: He's got that cunning vibe that makes you question his motives.
Meaning: A person who is deceitfully clever.
Example Sentence: Don't trust her; she's known to be a real cunning one.