as sly as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as sly as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something when you want to express that they are very sly or cunning. Example: The fox was as sly as ever as it slyly snuck around the corner to steal the farmer's chicken.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

His wit is as sly as a samurai sword".

The Guardian - Arts

And there are flavors, as sly as genies, that will never be bottled, Ms. Banks said.

The New York Times - Style

In life, Hope could be every bit as sly as his persona.

The New Yorker

"The Bible says to be as innocent as doves and as sly as serpents," said John Phillips, 48, a member of the class.

The New York Times

Don't ask how they do it; they simply manage to be as sly as the fox, as steady as the tortoise and as inventive as Aesop's mouse.

The New York Times - Arts

Although her braying laugh is perhaps too vulgar a honk for an actress as sly as Blanchett, she atones for it with a delicious scene in which, on a private visit, she meets the Grand Duke (Stellan Skarsgård).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The Americans are neither as sly nor as grandiose as the Italians, but Bradley has adapted a page from their playbook.

The New Yorker

Bill Clinton at his most devious was never as sly or as cunning (or as politically effective) as the Republican Party has become.

The New York Times

Oversized and onion-bellied, with steeply raked eyebrows and a wild tangle of beard, he could look as sly and as fierce as the genie in an Arabian tale.

The New Yorker

In between are musicians as notable and diverse as Sly Stone, Don Henley, Meat Loaf, Pat Boone, Norah Jones and Roy Orbison.

The New York Times - Travel

As sly and winning as the novel is stylistically, it's not hard to imagine the sort of substantive riposte to it that Austen might make.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as sly as", ensure it aligns with the tone and context of your writing. It is most effective when describing characters or situations where cunning or cleverness is a key attribute.

Common error

Avoid using "as sly as" in highly formal or academic writing, as it may come across as too colloquial. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as sly as" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It serves to describe a noun by comparing its level of slyness to a commonly understood standard or exemplar of slyness. Ludwig provides several examples showcasing this descriptive function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as sly as" is a comparative expression used to vividly describe cunning or deceptive behavior. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent use in news and media. While versatile, its informality suggests sparing use in formal writing. Alternative expressions like "as cunning as" or "as wily as" may better suit certain contexts. Ludwig's examples show that its use is mostly in informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as cunning as

This alternative focuses on the skillful and clever aspect of being sly.

as wily as

This alternative highlights the deceptive and strategic nature of being sly.

as crafty as

This alternative underscores the skill and ingenuity involved in being sly.

as shrewd as

This alternative stresses the sharp and perceptive aspect of being sly.

as artful as

This alternative emphasizes the skillful and clever manipulation involved in being sly.

as devious as

This alternative focuses on the indirect and underhanded methods of being sly.

as scheming as

This alternative highlights the planning and plotting aspect of being sly.

as subtle as

This alternative emphasizes the understated and delicate nature of being sly.

as cagey as

This alternative underscores the cautious and guarded nature of being sly.

as slippery as

This alternative emphasizes the ability to avoid capture or detection, similar to being sly.

FAQs

What does "as sly as" mean?

The phrase "as sly as" is used to describe someone or something that is cunning, clever, and skillful in deceiving or manipulating others, similar to the behavior associated with sly individuals or animals.

How can I use "as sly as" in a sentence?

You can use "as sly as" to compare someone's behavior to a known characteristic of a sly person or animal. For example, "The politician was "as devious as" a fox when dodging questions about the scandal."

What are some alternatives to "as sly as"?

Some alternatives include "as cunning as", "as wily as", or "as crafty as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as sly as" in formal writing?

While "as sly as" is widely understood, it might be more suitable for informal or creative writing. Formal contexts may benefit from more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to describe cunning or cleverness.