sly
C1Informal, sometimes slightly old-fashioned or literary.
Definition
Meaning
Cunning, crafty, skillful in a deceptive or underhanded way.
Playfully mischievous or roguish, often with a degree of cleverness or charm.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a knowing, secret intelligence and the ability to avoid direct confrontation. Can carry a negative connotation (deceitful) or a more positive, roguish one (playfully cunning).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. The idiom 'sly as a fox' is equally common. The phrase 'on the sly' (secretly) is used in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar connotations. Possibly slightly more associated with roguish charm in some UK literary contexts.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Adjective: a sly [person/animal]Adverb + Adjective: remarkably/deceptively/playfully slyPreposition: sly about [something]Idiomatic: do something on the slyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sly as a fox”
- “on the sly (secretly)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare in formal business contexts. Might describe underhanded competitive tactics: 'They used some sly manoeuvres to win the contract.'
Academic
Very rare. Might appear in literary or historical analysis to describe a character's nature.
Everyday
Most common, describing people, smiles, or secret actions: 'He gave me a sly wink.' 'She's been eating biscuits on the sly.'
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Obsolete/archaic; not used in modern English)
American English
- (Obsolete/archaic; not used in modern English)
adverb
British English
- (Rare, except in 'slyly') 'He smiled slyly, knowing he had the winning card.'
American English
- (Rare, except in 'slyly') 'She glanced slyly at her friend during the meeting.'
adjective
British English
- His sly plan to avoid the parking fee was finally discovered.
- The magician had a sly twinkle in his eye.
American English
- She managed a sly grin when she pulled off the prank.
- That was a sly move, getting the last slice of pizza.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat gave a sly look at the bird feeder.
- He is a bit sly, so be careful.
- She managed to get a copy of the test on the sly.
- His sly sense of humour isn't always understood.
- The politician's sly evasion of the question did not go unnoticed by the press.
- Beneath his charming exterior lay a sly and calculating mind.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SLY fox SLIDING (sly-sounds like slide) quietly through the woods, being cunning and secretive.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLEVERNESS IS DECEPTION / ANIMAL CUNNING (fox).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'sladkiy' (sweet). The Russian word 'хитрый' (khitry) is the closest equivalent, covering both negative 'cunning' and positive 'clever' meanings, similar to 'sly'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'sly' (cunning) with 'shy' (timid). Incorrect: 'He is very sly and doesn't talk to strangers.' (Here, 'shy' is meant).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'sly' used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While it often means deceitful, it can also describe playful, roguish cleverness, as in 'a sly sense of humour' or 'a sly grin.' Context is key.
It means 'secretly' or 'in a stealthy manner,' often to avoid getting caught or to do something forbidden. Example: 'He's been smoking on the sly.'
'Clever' is neutral or positive, meaning intelligent or skillful. 'Sly' adds a layer of deception, secrecy, or mischievousness to that cleverness.
No, not in modern English. The verb form is obsolete. The modern word is an adjective, with 'slyly' as its common adverb form.
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