Meaning & Definition of word "Wily"

Wily

/ˈwīlē/

1. Skilled at using deception to achieve one's goals; cunning.
- Example: The wily politician managed to outsmart his opponents at every turn.
2. Crafty or sly in achieving one's aims.
- Example: Her wily nature made her a formidable negotiator in the business world.
3. Full of clever strategies or tricks.
- Example: The wily fox eluded the hunters by taking a hidden path through the woods.
4. Deceptively clever or resourceful.
- Example: 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.

Meaning: Sly behavior in achieving something.

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

Meaning: Clever but untrustworthy.

● Example Sentence: That deal sounds wily, be careful.