sly Definition
- 1having or showing a cunning and deceitful nature
- 2playfully mischievous
Using sly: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sly" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He gave me a sly smile.
Example
She made a sly comment about his appearance.
Example
The politician was known for his sly tactics.
Example
The cat made a sly attempt to steal the fish.
sly Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with sly
Example
He's a sly dog, always finding ways to get what he wants.
Example
He's sly as a fox, you can never tell what he's really thinking.
Example
He had a sly grin on his face, as if he knew a secret.
Origins of sly
from Old Norse 'slœgr', meaning 'cunning'
Summary: sly in Brief
The term 'sly' [slaɪ] refers to someone who is cunning and deceitful, often in a playful or mischievous way. It can be used to describe a person's behavior or actions, as in 'The politician was known for his sly tactics.' 'Sly' also appears in phrases like 'sly dog,' which denotes admiration for a clever person, and 'sly grin,' which suggests that the person knows something others do not.