Meaning & Definition of word "Sly"

Sly

/slaɪ/

1. Having or showing a cunning and deceitful nature.
- Example: The sly fox outsmarted the hunters.
2. Obtained in a dishonest or cunning way.
- Example: She had a sly plan to get out of doing her chores.
3. Clever in a deceptive or cunning way.
- Example: His sly smile hinted that he was up to something.
4. Subtle or elusive; not easily understood.
- Example: There was a sly humor in his remarks that few noticed.

Middle English 'sly', from Old Norse 'slyðr' meaning 'sly, clever'.

sly as a fox:

Extremely clever or cunning, often in a deceitful way.

sly smile:

A smile that suggests cunningness or deceit.

cunning:

Having skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion.

deceit:

The action or practice of deceiving someone.

crafty:

Clever at achieving one's aims by indirect or deceitful methods.

Meaning: Sly dog

Example Sentence: He's a sly dog for getting away with that prank.

Meaning: Sly boots

Example Sentence: She's such a sly boots, always scheming.