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Translate files Cunning
/ˈkʌnɪŋ/
Meaning & Definition
noun
Skill in deception or evasion.
The criminal was known for his cunning and ability to escape capture.
A quality of being crafty or sly.
The cunning of the politician was evident in the way he twisted the facts.
adjective
Having or showing skill in achieving one’s ends by deceit or evasion.
The cunning fox outsmarted the hunters at every turn.
Shrewd or crafty in the use of special resources.
Her cunning plan to save money involved buying in bulk.
Displaying ingenuity or cleverness.
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
Slang Meanings
Sly and clever in a deceitful way.
He's got that cunning vibe that makes you question his motives.
A person who is deceitfully clever.
Don't trust her; she's known to be a real cunning one.