cunning men

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cunning men" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe men who are clever, deceitful, or skillful in achieving their goals, often through trickery or manipulation. Example: "In the world of politics, cunning men often rise to power by outsmarting their opponents."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Sometimes there was concern over the existence of "cunning men and women" with inherited knowledge based on a cosmology incompatible with the new Protestantism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was especially the case when the cunning men and women were taking over the casting of spells and incantations that had been the province of the Catholic priest but were not the province of the Protestant minister.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are elegant essays, on apple-green paper, on grouped themes - dragons, fairies, witches, bottomless pools, cunning men and (separately) high magicians - but also on individuals such as the murderers of Thomas Becket, on Shakespeare, Boadicea and Oliver Cromwell.

The Guardian - Books

The images commissioned early on by the railroad companies highlighted the public-service aspect of the construction, hiding the wealth it created for a few "cunning" men.

Johns Hopkins University

Naturally, however, many observers were left wondering things like, "Why did Trump go on Russia's state-owned news channel?" Or, "How did they not know how this would go over?" The Trump campaign's day-after excuses boil down to: "We were duped by one of the world's most cunning men, Larry King". .

Huffington Post

There are also cunning men, and women who have children despite knowing that their partners are such men.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He's a cunning man.

The Guardian - Sport

"The Cunning Man", the first volume, was published in 1995 and is a fine book in its own right.

The Economist

"A very cunning man; if we try to demonize him, we're going to lose".

The New York Times

The former was actually a very cunning man who played a somewhat controversial part in the history of Britain.

The New Yorker

"A very cunning man; if we try to demonize him, we're going to lose". And the World Trade Center?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid misinterpretation in contemporary contexts, clarify the specific skills or attributes you mean by "cunning". Consider alternatives if the historical connotation is unintended.

Common error

Avoid using "cunning men" without considering its potential historical and cultural associations. In modern writing, it can sound archaic or unintentionally evoke images of folk magic or historical healers, which might not be the intended meaning. Be mindful of your audience's interpretation and consider using clearer alternatives to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cunning men" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object within a sentence. This expression identifies a group of men characterized by their cunning, skill, or craftiness, and is supported by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cunning men" refers to men who possess a high degree of craftiness, skill, or ingenuity. Historically, as Ludwig's analysis shows, this term described folk healers and magic practitioners. While grammatically correct, its usage in modern contexts requires careful consideration due to potential archaic or negative connotations. For contemporary writing, alternatives like "crafty individuals" or "shrewd operators" may be more appropriate to avoid unintended implications. Despite its limited frequency, "cunning men" appears in diverse sources, with emphasis on News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki articles. The phrase can range from neutral to formal depending on the context, but is often used when depicting individuals with the ability to manipulate circumstances to their advantage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sly individuals

Highlights the secretive and subtle nature of their cunning. Similar to 'crafty' but with a stronger emphasis on secrecy.

crafty individuals

Emphasizes skill and ingenuity, often in a manipulative way. Shifts the focus from a specific type of man to a more general description of people.

shrewd operators

Highlights the operational effectiveness and astuteness of the individuals. Conveys a sense of business acumen and strategic thinking.

wily characters

Focuses on the deceptive and strategic nature of the individuals. Carries a more informal and literary tone.

ingenious tricksters

Emphasizes the clever and inventive methods used for deception. Highlights the inventive aspect of their cunning.

deceptive schemers

Underscores the deceitful and manipulative planning involved. This is a more negative connotation.

clever strategists

Highlights the strategic and intelligent approach to problem-solving. It does not include negative connotations.

artful dodgers

Implies a skill in evading or escaping difficult situations, often through cleverness. More specific to avoidance than general cunning.

manipulative strategists

Focuses on the strategic use of manipulation to achieve goals. More direct about the manipulative aspect.

astute negotiators

Focuses on skill in negotiation and deal-making, highlighting intelligence and awareness. Specific to negotiation contexts.

FAQs

What does the phrase "cunning men" mean?

Historically, "cunning men" referred to practitioners of folk medicine and magic. Today, it can describe men who are clever and skillful, sometimes with a negative connotation of deceit.

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

You might say, "In Elizabethan society, "cunning men" provided remedies and charms to those in need", illustrating their role in historical contexts.

Are there modern alternatives to "cunning men" that avoid historical connotations?

Yes, consider using phrases like "sly individuals", "crafty individuals", or "shrewd operators" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use the term "cunning men" in contemporary writing?

It depends on the context. If you're discussing historical practices or folklore, it's appropriate. However, in modern contexts, be aware that the term might sound archaic or carry unintended negative connotations. Consider using alternative phrasing for clarity.