a cunning combination of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cunning combination of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clever or skillful blend of different elements or ideas. Example: "The chef's dish was a cunning combination of flavors that delighted the palate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A cunning combination of sporty and sexy.

Independent

Langella's Nixon was a cunning combination of cornball and oddball: bitter, humiliated, astute, and vainglorious.

The New Yorker

I wasn't too far off: most mini-series provided a cunning combination of class and trash, catnip for an audience seeking something deeper than a soap opera, but just as racy.

The New York Times - Arts

Cris Benton, the former chairman of the architecture department at the University of California, Berkeley, stood at the Faire, patiently explaining how he and his like-minded friends take aerial photographs by hoisting cameras on kites, a cunning combination of high tech and old crafts.

The New York Times - Science

The Arts Desk said Matilda was "a cunning combination of gross cartoon, pitch-perfect professionalism and endearing feel good factor".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Like his neighbor Saddam Hussein, Assad kept his nation intact using a combination of cunning, Baathist ideology, economic incentives, nationalism, and terror.

The New Yorker

The sprawling family empire ruled much of Europe for more than centuries, owing to a combination of "cunning, dimness, luck, and brilliance".

The New Yorker

Employing a combination of cunning and charm, he climbed the organization's ranks over two decades to become its deputy director.

The New York Times

Over the course of a bloody half-century, the conquistadores used a combination of audacity, cunning and brutality to crush the Inca Empire.

Independent

To pull off a heist successfully, so I've heard, you need a combination of smarts, cunning, bravery and stealth, and Ms. Hovanec, who has been responsible for coordinating the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament for Will Shortz since 1993, has all of these qualities in abundance.

The New York Times

This son of a Suffolk trawlerman has ruled Formula 1 for nearly 40 years with a combination of astuteness, cunning, sharp practice and sheer intellectual power arguably unmatched across business and sporting worlds.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a strategy or plan, use "a cunning combination of" to convey intelligence and calculated execution.

Common error

While "cunning" implies cleverness, it can sometimes suggest deceit or manipulation. In formal or professional writing, consider alternatives like "strategic" or "ingenious" to avoid negative connotations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cunning combination of" functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as a modifier before a noun. It serves to characterize something by highlighting its clever and skillful mixture of different elements. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cunning combination of" is a phrase used to describe something that blends elements in a clever and skillful manner. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and usable in diverse contexts, although "cunning" might warrant careful consideration in more formal settings. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources. While not exceedingly common, understanding its nuances allows for more precise and impactful writing, particularly when conveying strategic intelligence or artful design.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clever synthesis of

Emphasizes the merging of elements into a new whole with a clever twist.

an ingenious blend of

Highlights the inventiveness and seamless integration of different components.

a skillful mix of

Focuses on the expertise and dexterity involved in combining various aspects.

a strategic merging of

Suggests a planned and purposeful integration of elements for a specific advantage.

a deft fusion of

Implies a delicate and skillful merging of elements, often creating something new.

an artful integration of

Stresses the creativity and aesthetic appeal in combining different aspects.

a shrewd amalgamation of

Highlights the sharp, practical intelligence used in combining different components.

a subtle weaving together of

Suggests a delicate and intricate combination, where elements are carefully interconnected.

a well-devised concoction of

Emphasizes the thoughtful planning and execution behind the combination.

a resourceful blending of

Highlights the ability to use available resources effectively in creating the combination.

FAQs

How can I use "a cunning combination of" in a sentence?

Use "a cunning combination of" to describe a clever mix of elements or traits. For example, "The strategy was a cunning combination of diplomacy and force".

What are some alternatives to "a cunning combination of"?

Alternatives include "a clever blend of", "an ingenious mix of", or "a skillful mix of" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use the word "cunning"?

While "cunning" implies cleverness, it can also suggest slyness or deceit. Consider your audience and the context. In formal settings, alternatives like "strategic" or "ingenious" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a cunning combination of" and "a clever combination of"?

"A cunning combination of" implies a level of shrewdness or artfulness, whereas "a clever combination of" simply suggests intelligence or ingenuity. The first option adds the element of smart strategy.