cunning decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cunning decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision that is clever or shrewd, often with a connotation of being deceitful or crafty. Example: "The cunning decision to outmaneuver the competition paid off in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Hiring a Latin American chief conductor for an orchestra whose home city has a huge Hispanic population is, according to Clements, "a cunning decision".

The Guardian

They would be beaten if they were caught; hence, perhaps, Leona's anxiety, and Lanjo's cunning decision to come near the human settlement, where the group rarely ventures.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Midway through the season Roma took the decision to sign cunning Ivorian goal-poacher Seydou Doumbia for a fee of just under £13m to replace the outgoing Mattia Destro.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a decision that Sir Humphrey, the cunning civil servant known to many Britons through "Yes Minister", a TV comedy, would undoubtedly have described as "courageous".

The Economist

Warner, however, maximizes those ingredients with his cunning ability to read defenses quickly, with quick decision-making, a strong arm, accurate passes and aggressiveness.

The New York Times - Sports

Cunning people try not to let their perception and decision-making be clouded by emotion or prejudice.

WikiHow

Many Scots resent American criticism of his decision.But his opponents (who also have his boss, the cunning and popular Mr Salmond, in their sights), are not letting up.

The Economist

The prime minister's decision to put her three Brexiteers into key negotiating posts in the cabinet seemed tactically cunning.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here: "Cunning?

The New York Times

Cunning, eh?

BBC

Or "Cunning at math".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "cunning decision" with specific examples to illustrate the cleverness or strategic advantage it provided. This makes your writing more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "cunning decision" simply as a synonym for "smart decision". "Cunning" implies a degree of deception or manipulation, so ensure it's appropriate for the situation. If not, consider using "shrewd choice" or "astute decision" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cunning decision" functions as a noun phrase modifier, where the adjective "cunning" modifies the noun "decision". It describes the quality of the decision, highlighting its clever and often strategic nature, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cunning decision" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a choice marked by cleverness and strategic intent, as validated by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it finds its primary use in journalistic contexts, particularly within News & Media. The term carries a neutral register, fitting for analytical discussions. When employing this phrase, writers should carefully consider the ethical implications of "cunning", ensuring its appropriateness for the specific context and to avoid any unintended negative connotations. Alternatives like "shrewd choice" or "astute decision" provide more neutral options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shrewd choice

Replaces "cunning" with "shrewd", emphasizing intelligence and practicality.

astute decision

Substitutes "cunning" with "astute", highlighting keen awareness and insight.

clever determination

Uses "clever" to describe the quality of the determination, focusing on ingenuity.

ingenious resolution

Emphasizes the inventiveness of the resolution, replacing "cunning" with "ingenious".

strategic judgment

Highlights the planned and tactical nature of the judgment.

deft move

Focuses on the skillful and quick nature of the action.

calculated action

Stresses the deliberate and planned nature of the action.

artful maneuver

Replaces both words to focus on the clever and skillful way something is handled.

sly tactic

Highlights the element of deception or secretiveness.

wily strategy

Similar to "sly tactic", emphasizing craftiness and deception in the approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "cunning decision" to describe a choice that is clever and strategic, often implying a degree of deception or manipulation. For example: "His "cunning decision" to delay the announcement allowed him to gather more support."

What are some alternatives to "cunning decision"?

Some alternatives to "cunning decision" include "shrewd choice", "astute decision", or "strategic judgment". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "cunning decision" always a positive thing?

Not necessarily. While "cunning" implies cleverness, it can also suggest a degree of dishonesty or manipulation. The positivity depends on the context and the ethical implications of the decision.

What is the difference between "cunning decision" and "smart decision"?

"Smart decision" generally refers to a choice that is intelligent and well-reasoned. "Cunning decision", on the other hand, suggests a choice that is not only clever but also involves a degree of deception or manipulation to achieve a desired outcome.