Meaning & Definition of word "Cunning"

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.