crafty men

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crafty men" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe men who are clever, cunning, or skilled in achieving their goals, often through deceitful or underhanded means. Example: "The crafty men of the village devised a plan to outsmart their rivals and gain control of the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's more interesting to ask whether the strange, sex-fixated, but admittedly crafty men running the Republican Party and FOX News could actually do something like Conservative Teen and have it work.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In 1201, a delegation was sent to Europe's mightiest seafaring power, Venice, which was ruled at that time by a bold, crafty man, Doge Enrico Dandolo, who, though he was blind and probably over ninety years old, was to become the chief policy-maker of the Fourth Crusade.

The New Yorker

A servant once mentored by Prospero, Caliban is forsaken by his friend, the better for the crafty older man — the man with words — to take over the island that Caliban called home.

The New Yorker

Aeolus, in Greek mythology, mythical king of Magnesia in Thessaly, the son of Hellen (the eponymous ancestor of the true Greeks, or Hellenes) and father of Sisyphus (the "most crafty of men").

Encyclopedia Britannica

Crafty human hybrids.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The merchant, as crafty a man is he.

The New Yorker

If he loses the Boston Red Sox, whom he had in his $660 million grasp, to Charles Dolan, the crafty Cablevision man, would Henry keep the Marlins, or would he still sell them to Loria?

The New York Times - Sports

Mid-80s Bradford is unlikely territory for a life-affirming paean to the joys of extra-marital sex, but Dunbar's story about two teenage babysitters and the crafty married man who "jumps" both of them, was a rough and ready delight.

The Guardian - Film

Written and directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa -- the pair behind the smart 2011 rom-com "Crazy, Stupid Love" -- "Focus" follows crafty con man Nicky (Smith), who trains and falls for Jess (Robbie).

Los Angeles Times

In short, the project "marshalled a volunteer army of crafty women and men," Shirley Wajda, a curator at Michigan State University Museum, who is currently in the process of collecting materials from the Women's Marches, said.

The New Yorker

Because both squadrons feature effectively the same human beings: champion fullbacks, super-fine centres, leaping wing-men, crafty halves, maggot-hard crazy people in the forwards.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "crafty man", be aware of the potentially negative connotation. Consider whether a more neutral term like "clever" or "resourceful" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "crafty" in formal writing, as it can sound informal or even pejorative. Opt for more professional alternatives like "strategic", "astute", or "skillful" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crafty men" functions as a noun phrase, where "crafty" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "men". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples show it describing men with cunning or cleverness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crafty men" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes men who are clever, cunning, and resourceful. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct to use this phrase in written English. While it can be used in various contexts, it's essential to be aware of its slightly negative connotation, especially in formal settings. Consider alternatives like "clever men" or "resourceful men" for a more neutral tone. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedia and Wiki sources. The phrase suggests that men are skilled in deception or in cleverly achieving their goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clever men

Direct synonym, simply replacing "crafty" with "clever".

cunning men

Similar in meaning, but implies a slightly more negative, manipulative connotation.

shrewd men

Suggests practical intelligence and an ability to make wise judgments.

wily men

Implies a more deceptive and cunning nature.

astute men

Indicates keen awareness and intelligence, especially in practical matters.

ingenious men

Highlights creativity and resourcefulness in problem-solving.

resourceful men

Emphasizes the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

sly individuals

Less direct and more general, referring to people who are secretive and deceitful.

deceptive men

Focuses specifically on the act of misleading others.

manipulative men

Highlights the use of cunning tactics to control others.

FAQs

What does "crafty men" mean?

The phrase "crafty men" refers to men who are skilled in deception or clever in achieving their goals, often through cunning or indirect means.

What can I say instead of "crafty men"?

You can use alternatives like "clever men", "shrewd men", or "resourceful men" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as a "crafty man" in a formal setting?

While grammatically correct, using "crafty men" in a formal setting might sound too informal or suggest a negative connotation. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "strategic thinkers" or "astute leaders".

What is the difference between "crafty men" and "wily men"?

Both phrases describe men who are clever and cunning, but "wily men" often implies a greater degree of deception and manipulation compared to "crafty men".