Meaning & Definition of word "Wily"
Wily
/ˈwīlē/
adjective:
- 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.
Etymology
●From Old English 'wigli', meaning 'cunning'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
wily as a fox:
Extremely clever and cunning.
Related Words
cunning:
Skill employed in a shrewd or sly manner.
shrewd:
Having or showing sharp powers of judgment.
Slang Meanings of wily
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.