guile Definition
- 1sly or cunning intelligence
- 2deceitful cunning; duplicity
Using guile: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "guile" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He used all his guile and guts to free himself from the trap.
Example
The politician's guile was evident in his ability to manipulate the media.
Example
She was known for her guile and her ability to get what she wanted.
Example
The fox's guile allowed him to steal food from the farmer's henhouse.
guile Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using guile
to charm or enchant someone, often in a deceptive way
Example
The snake beguiled the bird with its song before attacking it.
the attribution of guilt to individuals because of their association with an offender
Example
He was found guilty by association because he was friends with the criminal.
Example
The con artist led the victim a merry dance before stealing their money.
Phrases with guile
Example
He managed to win the game with guile and strategy.
innocent and without deception
Example
Her guileless smile made everyone trust her.
full of guile; crafty
Example
The guileful salesman managed to sell the product to the customer.
Origins of guile
from Old French 'guile', from a Germanic base meaning 'sorcery, magic'
Summary: guile in Brief
'Guile' [gahyl] refers to sly or cunning intelligence and deceitful cunning. It can be used to describe people who are able to manipulate situations to their advantage, as in 'The politician's guile was evident in his ability to manipulate the media.' The term also has idiomatic uses, such as 'beguile,' which means to charm or enchant someone in a deceptive way, and 'lead someone a merry dance,' which means to deceive or mislead someone.
