cunning intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cunning intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type of intelligence that is characterized by cleverness and deceitfulness, often in a strategic or manipulative context. Example: "The detective admired the cunning intelligence of the criminal mastermind, who always seemed to be one step ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Odysseus's heroic trait is his cunning intelligence.

The New York Times

It is a sport of such simplicity, beauty, cunning, intelligence and nerve.

Independent

Tory "stupidity" was often in fact a form of cunning intelligence - a self-advertisement suitable in a country which dislikes intellectuals.

The Guardian - Opinion

But viewers today expect their reality shows to relay some kind of cunning intelligence — a wink or a nod to their own contrivances, through sheer bombast or maybe even through heart.

The New Yorker

The embodiment of metis, or "cunning intelligence," Odysseus adopts false identities fluidly and fully, invites a god's wrath rather than let an act of cleverness go unknown, risks death to hear the ruinous songs of the Sirens because he cannot bear to let the opportunity pass.

The New York Times - Books

I don't know about you, but I find the sight of Julie Christie's face considerably more pleasurable than that of a portly homunculus making expansive gestures, not all of which, one suspects, are capable of conveying the nuances of Thomas Hardy's words, as mediated by the cunning intelligence of Frederic Raphael.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Or, at least, David and Goliath with a twist: Astérix doesn't beat brute force by superior cunning and intelligence - he does it thanks to his unexpected access to even bruter force than the enemy can deliver.

The Guardian - Books

The brilliant, cunning former intelligence chief, the man who lived to play both sides against the middle, has been cast here as a dictator who is sometimes cocky and occasionally devious but looks more often like a drunken, depressed loser.

The New York Times - Books

His cunning and intelligence allowed him to flip the script".

Vice

"[Rambo's] going against a feral beast that has absolute cunning and intelligence and a will to survive that is only matched by Rambo's".

Vice

On the field, he has always lacked speed, especially now that he is older, but compensates for it with intelligence, cunning, aggression and commitment that earn him his teammates' respect.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "cunning" – it can imply both cleverness and a lack of ethics. Ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "cunning intelligence" when describing simple problem-solving. Reserve it for situations where strategy and potentially underhanded methods are at play.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cunning intelligence" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, typically used to characterize someone's cognitive abilities. It denotes not just raw intellect, but also a strategic and often manipulative cleverness. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cunning intelligence" is a valid and frequently used phrase in English, primarily found in News & Media contexts. As Ludwig confirms, the term effectively describes a specific kind of intelligence marked by strategic thinking and a degree of manipulation. While "cunning" might carry slight negative connotations, the phrase as a whole remains relatively neutral and suitable for formal and semi-formal registers. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and ensure that the implication of shrewdness and potentially underhanded methods aligns with your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shrewd intellect

Replaces "cunning" with "shrewd", highlighting practical cleverness.

astute mind

Focuses on the sharpness and perceptiveness of the intellect.

crafty intellect

Emphasizes the skillful and artful nature of the intelligence.

devious cleverness

Highlights the potentially underhanded nature of the cleverness.

subtle brilliance

Suggests an intelligence that operates with nuance and finesse.

artful ingenuity

Focuses on inventive and resourceful intelligence.

sharp wit

Highlights the quickness and cleverness of the mind.

sly wisdom

Implies a wisdom gained through cunning and experience.

resourceful intellect

Emphasizes the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

manipulative intelligence

Highlights the use of intelligence to control or influence others.

FAQs

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

You can use "cunning intelligence" to describe a character's ability to outsmart others or navigate complex situations through shrewd strategies. For example, "The spy's success was attributed to his cunning intelligence".

What are some alternatives to "cunning intelligence"?

Alternatives include "shrewd intellect", "astute mind", or "crafty intellect", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "cunning intelligence" a positive or negative trait?

It can be both. While "intelligence" is generally positive, "cunning" suggests a degree of deception or manipulation. Therefore, it depends on the context and how the trait is used.

What's the difference between "cunning intelligence" and "high intelligence"?

"High intelligence" refers to a general level of mental capacity, while "cunning intelligence" implies a specific type of intelligence characterized by strategic thinking and cleverness, often with a hint of trickery. Think of it as skill at chess rather than general wisdom.