What does “Sly as a fox” mean?
"Sly as a fox" means someone who is very clever or cunning.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
He managed to outsmart his opponents, proving he's as sly as a fox.
He managed to outsmart his opponents, proving he's as sly as a fox.
Example
She came up with a sly as a fox plan to get what she wanted.
She came up with a sly as a fox plan to get what she wanted.
Example
The thief was sly as a fox and managed to escape without being caught
The thief was sly as a fox and managed to escape without being caught
Is “Sly as a fox” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Sly as a fox” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Sly as a fox” effectively in context?
You can use "Sly as a Fox" to describe someone who is very clever or cunning. It implies that the person is able to outsmart others and come up with clever solutions to problems. For example, if a friend successfully tricks someone in a game, you might say, 'Wow, you're as sly as a fox!'
- 1Competition
He managed to outsmart his opponents, proving he's as sly as a fox.
He managed to outsmart his opponents, proving he's as sly as a fox.
- 2Strategy
She came up with a sly as a fox plan to get what she wanted.
She came up with a sly as a fox plan to get what she wanted.
- 3Escape
The thief was sly as a fox and managed to escape without being caught.
The thief was sly as a fox and managed to escape without being caught.
Similar phrases to “Sly as a fox”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Sly as a fox” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Sly as a Fox" is unknown.
Is “Sly as a fox” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Sly as a Fox" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe someone who is clever or cunning.
What tone does “Sly as a fox” have?
"Sly as a Fox" conveys a tone of admiration and respect for someone's intelligence and cunningness. It is usually used in a positive context to praise someone's ability to outsmart others.
Can “Sly as a fox” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "sly as a fox" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes someone's cleverness. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's as sly as a fox when it comes to negotiations.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'You're "sly as a fox"!' to imply someone's cleverness.
