a bit sneaky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit sneaky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is somewhat deceitful or cunning, often in a light-hearted or informal context. Example: "I thought his plan was a bit sneaky, but it actually worked out well in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It's a bit sneaky.

Independent

This feels a bit sneaky.

Independent

Then Phil did something a bit sneaky.

The New Yorker

Mackey can be a bit sneaky.

The Guardian - Business

7.41pm: Karol Karol looks like he's a bit sneaky himself.

The Guardian - Film

No wonder he buys in bulk.Hmm, that "emotionally appealing" get-out is a bit sneaky.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But since I work in a spontaneous way, I have to be a little bit sneaky because I don't want them to know that I'm going to take a picture of them".

Huffington Post

"It just happened". Aymii Couzelis, 33, of Norwalk, Conn., said she couldn't help feeling "a little bit sneaky, guilty" when she decided to flirt back with someone a good friend had dated and was still pursuing.

The New York Times

"I'm being a little bit sneaky," joked Stottlemyre, who said that he would not be anywhere near the field during games.

The New York Times - Sports

It's diplomatically done, it's a little bit sneaky, and I don't buy it.

Huffington Post

Little bit sneaky, those tactics... but it hasn't quite worked as Massa has come out of the pits behind Webber.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit sneaky" when you want to describe something as mildly deceptive or cunning in an informal and understated way.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit sneaky" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "slightly devious" or "somewhat manipulative" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit sneaky" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically intensifying the adjective "sneaky". It describes the degree to which something possesses the quality of being sneaky, implying a mild or understated level of slyness or underhandedness, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bit sneaky" is a useful descriptor when you want to convey a sense of mild deceit or slyness without being overly critical. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While generally informal, "a bit sneaky" can be a versatile addition to your vocabulary, but remember to adjust your language based on the formality of the context. Alternatives such as "somewhat sly" or "slightly devious" may be more appropriate in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat sly

Replaces "a bit sneaky" with a simpler, more direct term.

slightly devious

Emphasizes the deceitful aspect more strongly.

a tad underhanded

Highlights the unfair or unethical nature of the action.

rather cunning

Focuses on the cleverness and ingenuity involved.

a little artful

Suggests skillful deception.

somewhat manipulative

Highlights the controlling aspect of the behavior.

a touch Machiavellian

Implies a ruthless and pragmatic approach.

mildly deceitful

Emphasizes the deceptive nature in a less severe way.

a bit disingenuous

Suggests a lack of sincerity.

slightly fraudulent

Implies a more serious level of deception.

FAQs

What does "a bit sneaky" mean?

The phrase "a bit sneaky" means something is mildly deceptive, cunning, or underhanded. It suggests a degree of slyness without being overtly malicious.

What can I say instead of "a bit sneaky"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat sly", "slightly devious", or "a tad underhanded" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "a bit sneaky" in formal writing?

No, "a bit sneaky" is generally too informal for formal writing. Consider using more professional alternatives such as "slightly manipulative" or "somewhat insincere".

How do I use "a bit sneaky" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit sneaky" to describe actions, plans, or people. For example, "I thought his plan was "a bit sneaky", but it worked" or "She had a "a bit sneaky" smile on her face".