Wily

/ˈwīlē/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Skilled at using deception to achieve one's goals; cunning.

The wily politician managed to outsmart his opponents at every turn.

Crafty or sly in achieving one's aims.

Her wily nature made her a formidable negotiator in the business world.

Full of clever strategies or tricks.

The wily fox eluded the hunters by taking a hidden path through the woods.

Deceptively clever or resourceful.

He devised a wily plan to win back his girlfriend's affection.

From Old English 'wigli', meaning 'cunning'.

wily as a fox

Extremely clever and cunning.

cunning

Skill employed in a shrewd or sly manner.

shrewd

Having or showing sharp powers of judgment.

Sly behavior in achieving something.

Don't trust him; he's pretty wily when it comes to negotiations.

Clever but untrustworthy.

That deal sounds wily, be careful.