cunning face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cunning face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone whose facial expression suggests cleverness or deceitfulness. Example: "She had a cunning face that made it hard to tell if she was being honest or not."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Writer asked if Mr. Falco felt as if he were helping evil shade its cunning face.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He promised, for example, to be a President of "la justice et la jeunesse," (justice and youth, though the rhyme is sweeter in the original), thus flattening any hopes that he might, in a cunning volte-face, come out in favor of crotchety, intolerant nonagenarians.

The New Yorker

He explains that the place where he has been living for years was also part of a plot supposed to be given away to someone else.With a glint in his eye and a cunning smile on his face, he recounts how, when the new owner arrived to check out his plot, he showed him the adjacent wooded and sloped area, convincing him this is what he had been given.

The Economist

However, you could argue that the Brotherhood has faced more cunning attacks in the past and survived.

Vice

But a lead as cunning and resilient in the face tragedy as Christine definitely is.

The Guardian

Such regimes are often brutal and cunning, and they need to face international pressure if they are to stop limiting freedom of expression.

The Guardian - Opinion

McQueen presents each woman as resilient, capable of standing up in the face of adversity – cunning and strong.

Vice

The Israeli Army now faces a more cunning and powerful Palestinian foe than it ever has in the past.

The New York Times - Magazine

A political outsider, who fought his way to the top of the Gaullist party through hard work and cunning, he remains fearless in the face of opposition.

The Economist

Not only have many New Yorkers been face to face with this cunning deli dweller, some have been known to reach out a hand and, yes, rub the fiend behind the ear.

The New York Times

Death to him!' spitting in my face the blood they had sucked with cunning from my veins!" Whenever any of his malefactors comes to a bad end, he reports this with satisfaction.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cunning face", ensure that the context clearly supports the implication of cleverness, slyness, or deceit. Overuse might lead to character stereotyping.

Common error

Be cautious when using "cunning face" in contexts where neutrality is essential. The phrase inherently carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of trustworthiness or a propensity for manipulation. Consider alternative descriptors if a more objective portrayal is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cunning face" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, where "cunning" modifies the noun "face". It describes a facial expression or appearance that suggests slyness, cleverness in a deceitful way, or a manipulative nature. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing characters or individuals perceived as deceitful.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cunning face" is a descriptive term used to portray a facial expression suggesting slyness, deceit, or manipulative cleverness. Grammatically correct but relatively rare, it primarily appears in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, yet its inherently negative connotation requires careful application, particularly in neutral settings. Alternatives like "sly expression" or "devious look" may offer less judgmental descriptions. In essence, while effective for conveying distrust or suspicion, "cunning face" should be employed judiciously to avoid unintended bias or misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sly expression

Focuses on the outward display of slyness through one's expression.

devious look

Highlights the deceptive and underhanded nature conveyed by the facial expression.

crafty visage

Emphasizes the skillful and artful aspect of deception in the face.

scheming face

Directly suggests that the person is plotting or planning something.

calculating look

Focuses on the analytical and strategic nature of the person's expression.

knowing glance

Implies a shared secret or understanding, often with a hint of manipulation.

wily countenance

Highlights the clever and resourceful aspect of the person's face.

shrewd features

Emphasizes the sharp intelligence and practical wisdom reflected in the face.

guileful appearance

Focuses on the deceptive and treacherous nature of the person's overall look.

artful facade

Suggests that the person is presenting a carefully constructed image to deceive others.

FAQs

How can I describe someone's face to suggest slyness without using "cunning face"?

You can use alternatives such as "sly expression", "devious look", or "crafty visage" to convey a similar meaning while varying your word choice.

What's the difference between a "cunning face" and a "determined face"?

A "cunning face" suggests slyness and potential deception, while a "determined face" implies resolve and a strong will. The former is often associated with manipulation, whereas the latter conveys strength and perseverance.

Is "cunning face" always a negative description?

Yes, "cunning face" generally carries a negative connotation, implying slyness, deceit, or a tendency to manipulate. It's rarely used in a positive or neutral sense.

In what kind of writing is "cunning face" most appropriate?

The phrase "cunning face" is most appropriate in fiction or character descriptions where conveying a sense of slyness or untrustworthiness is desired. It can also be used in analytical writing to describe someone's perceived demeanor, but should be used carefully to avoid bias.