Sly

/slaɪ/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Having or showing a cunning and deceitful nature.

The sly fox outsmarted the hunters.

Obtained in a dishonest or cunning way.

She had a sly plan to get out of doing her chores.

Clever in a deceptive or cunning way.

His sly smile hinted that he was up to something.

Subtle or elusive; not easily understood.

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.

Sly dog

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

Sly boots

She's such a sly boots, always scheming.