Word: Sly
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: The word "sly" describes someone who is clever in a sneaky or deceitful way. A sly person is good at tricking others or hiding their true intentions.
Usage Instructions:
Use "sly" to describe someone's behavior or actions that are cunning or deceptive.
It often has a negative connotation, implying that the person is not honest.
Example Sentences:
The sly fox managed to sneak into the henhouse without being noticed.
She gave a sly smile after telling her friend a little white lie.
His sly remarks made it clear that he was hiding something.
Advanced Usage:
"Sly" can also be used to describe things that are done in a clever but hidden way. For example: "The sly politician made promises he never intended to keep."
In literature, a character described as "sly" often uses wit or cunning to achieve their goals, sometimes leading to conflict with other characters.
Word Variants:
Different Meanings:
Sly (in a playful way): Sometimes "sly" can describe someone who is playful or mischievous rather than purely deceitful. Example: "He had a sly sense of humor that often caught people off guard."
Synonyms:
Cunning
Deceitful
Crafty
Wily
Sneaky
Foxy
Idioms:
Phrasal Verbs:
While there are no specific phrasal verbs that use "sly," you may encounter phrases like "sly in one's dealings," which means being deceptive in business or personal interactions.
Conclusion:
In summary, "sly" is a word that characterizes someone who is clever in a sneaky way, often to deceive others.