a cunning mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cunning mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is clever, resourceful, and skilled at achieving their goals, often through deceit or trickery. Example: "The detective had a cunning mind, always thinking several steps ahead of the criminals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

To make matters worse, Jim has a cunning mind.

The New Yorker

It takes a cunning mind to break out of jail.

The New York Times - Books

The faked prescriptions, the references to Annette's impending death, the lecture about the perfect murder, the bizarre lies, the shaved eyebrows, the e-mailed toxicology inquiries: these didn't exactly seem like the product of a cunning mind.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

One day, one of the thieves got a cunning idea.

Huffington Post

Why limit yourself to the traditional means of dining when you have the cunning mind of an adult human being?

Vice

In front of a log fire, or on a sunny afternoon in the garden, there could be few greater satisfactions than doing battle with that warm, nimble, generous yet invariably cunning mind.

The Guardian

Still, his portrait of the region is a strong one, built on meticulously detailed intelligence gathered, sifted and analyzed for unspoken secrets and lies by the author's own deeply cunning mind.

The New York Times - Books

This division features cunning, mind-game-playing Super Bowl-winning coaches (Bill Parcells and Jimmy Johnson), a quarterback legend (Dan Marino) and physical teams built with defense as a priority.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, racist ideas have usually been produced by some of the most brilliant and cunning minds of each era.

Huffington Post

As one of the UK's better known and most successful entrepreneurs who have to think he has got a cunning plan in mind.

TechCrunch

He's a cunning man.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a cunning mind", consider the context and ensure that the connotation aligns with the intended message. While it can denote cleverness, it may also imply deceit or manipulation.

Common error

Avoid using "a cunning mind" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "a strategic intellect" or "an insightful mind" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cunning mind" functions as a noun phrase, where "cunning" is an adjective modifying the noun "mind". It typically describes a person's intellectual capability, emphasizing cleverness and strategic thinking, as supported by the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a cunning mind" describes a person's intelligence with a particular emphasis on their cleverness, resourcefulness, and strategic thinking. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in News & Media contexts, although it is not a very common expression. While it can be used to praise someone's intellect, the word "cunning" can also carry a connotation of deceit or manipulation. Therefore, it's essential to consider the context carefully when using this phrase. Alternatives like "a shrewd intellect" or "a strategic thinker" might be more suitable in formal contexts to avoid any negative implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shrewd intellect

Replaces "cunning mind" with a more formal and positive connotation, emphasizing intelligence and insight.

a sharp wit

Focuses on the quickness and cleverness of the mind, highlighting the ability to think and respond intelligently.

an ingenious intellect

Highlights inventiveness and cleverness, suggesting an ability to devise creative solutions.

a strategic thinker

Emphasizes the ability to plan and execute strategies effectively, often implying a calculated approach.

a devious intellect

Similar to "cunning", but carries a stronger negative connotation, suggesting a tendency towards deceit.

a resourceful mind

Focuses on the ability to find creative solutions and overcome challenges, often with limited resources.

a clever strategist

Highlights the ability to plan and execute strategies effectively.

a Machiavellian mind

Implies a ruthless and pragmatic approach to achieving goals, often prioritizing effectiveness over ethics.

an astute intellect

Highlights keen awareness and perceptiveness, suggesting an ability to understand complex situations.

a quick thinker

Focuses on the speed and agility of thought, emphasizing the ability to process information rapidly.

FAQs

What does "a cunning mind" mean?

The phrase "a cunning mind" describes someone who is clever, resourceful, and skilled at achieving their goals, often through deceit or trickery. It implies a sharp intellect capable of outsmarting others.

What are some synonyms for "a cunning mind"?

You can use alternatives like "a shrewd intellect", "a sharp wit", or "an ingenious intellect" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "a cunning mind" in a sentence?

You might say, "The detective had a cunning mind, always anticipating the criminal's next move", or "The politician's cunning mind allowed him to navigate complex negotiations with ease."

Is it always positive to describe someone as having "a cunning mind"?

Not necessarily. While it acknowledges intelligence, "cunning" can also suggest a manipulative or deceptive nature. Consider the context and your intent when using the phrase.