cunning eyes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cunning eyes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone whose eyes convey intelligence, craftiness, or a sly nature, often implying a sense of intrigue or deception. Example: "She watched him with cunning eyes, as if she could see through his every lie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

With his cold, cunning eyes set in a doll's face and his hair worn long in a fluffy pony tail (unlike his short-haired fellow soldiers), Kano wafts an androgynous sexual ambiguity that ignites an erotic brush fire in this monastic environment.

The New York Times

While Paul is shown as old and frail, he is given a broad chest and cunning eyes that indicate his intelligence and guile.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I try to look at the bigger picture, but always with a cunning eye on bats.

The Guardian

Broner is an exceptional fighter in the ring with power in either hand, fabulous speed and a cunning eye for an angle.

Independent

I especially like the lawyer Hansl Genauer in the story "Him With His Foot in His Mouth" (1982), with his "deep wrinkles of cunning" and eyes "like the eyes you glimpse in the heated purple corners of the small-mammal house".

The Guardian - Books

In his guise of Muslim convert and American turncoat, he has even met the elusive leader "with cunning narrow eyes".

The New York Times - Books

Komar is fat, looks much older than Melamid but isn't, has a dark beard and small, cunning green eyes and red lips — a minor character out of Gogol, probably a horse trader.

The New Yorker

The blonde siren Paula planted in the couple's midst is played by the English fashion model Agyness Deyn, who comports herself with genuine cunning, her eyes alert to every shift in temperature in the room even when the odd line gets trampled.

The New York Times - Arts

It has been suggested that there's something in the Italian character that creates the perfect one: courage, cunning, an eye for an iconic image combined with an iconoclastic, anarchic streak and, most of all, a sixth sense about betrayal.

The Guardian

Without thinking, a flash of cunning in his eyes, Nawab lunged for the gun, but missed.

The New Yorker

This one-man show, which comes to the Berkshires by way of Berlin, does away with discrete disciplines to challenge the laws of physics and play cunning tricks on the eye.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cunning eyes" when you want to convey a sense of intelligence combined with deceitfulness or slyness in a character or subject. It's effective for creating intrigue or suspicion.

Common error

Avoid using "cunning eyes" in contexts where a simple description of intelligence or observation would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound melodramatic or overly descriptive when it isn't necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cunning eyes" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "eyes". It serves to attribute a specific quality – cunning – to someone's eyes, suggesting intelligence and craftiness, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cunning eyes" is a descriptive term used to portray intelligence, craftiness, and a hint of slyness or deception. While grammatically correct, its usage is more common in narrative and literary contexts rather than formal or scientific writing. As Ludwig AI points out, it effectively conveys a character's inner qualities through their appearance, evoking intrigue and suspicion. Related phrases include "sly gaze" and "shrewd look", offering alternative ways to describe a similar expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sly gaze

Replaces "eyes" with "gaze", emphasizing the act of looking with slyness.

shrewd look

Substitutes both words to highlight a sharp and insightful expression.

crafty expression

Focuses on the overall facial expression implying craftiness.

devious eyes

Emphasizes the deceptive nature implied by the eyes.

calculating stare

Highlights the intent and focus behind the gaze.

knowing glance

Suggests a secret understanding conveyed through a quick look.

sharp eyes

Focuses on the keenness and intelligence reflected in the eyes.

wily look

Replaces "eyes" with "look", emphasizing the act of looking with wiliness.

scheming eyes

Highlights the implication of planning or plotting.

penetrating gaze

Focuses on the intensity and insightful nature of the look.

FAQs

What does "cunning eyes" mean?

"Cunning eyes" describes someone whose eyes suggest intelligence, craftiness, and often a sly or deceptive nature. It implies that the person is perceptive and possibly manipulative.

How to use "cunning eyes" in a sentence?

You can use "cunning eyes" to describe a character's appearance and hint at their personality. For example, "The villain watched with "cunning eyes", plotting his next move."

What are some synonyms for "cunning eyes"?

Alternatives include "sly gaze", "shrewd look", or "crafty expression", which all convey similar impressions of intelligence and slyness.

Is "cunning eyes" a positive or negative trait?

It is generally a negative trait, as "cunning" often implies a degree of deceit or manipulation. However, it can also suggest intelligence and resourcefulness, depending on the context.