cunning mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cunning mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is clever, resourceful, or skilled at achieving their goals, often through deceit or trickery. Example: "The detective had a cunning mind, always able to outsmart the criminals he pursued."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

To make matters worse, Jim has a cunning mind.

The New Yorker

It takes a cunning mind to break out of jail.

The New York Times - Books

The faked prescriptions, the references to Annette's impending death, the lecture about the perfect murder, the bizarre lies, the shaved eyebrows, the e-mailed toxicology inquiries: these didn't exactly seem like the product of a cunning mind.

The New Yorker

Still, his portrait of the region is a strong one, built on meticulously detailed intelligence gathered, sifted and analyzed for unspoken secrets and lies by the author's own deeply cunning mind.

The New York Times - Books

In front of a log fire, or on a sunny afternoon in the garden, there could be few greater satisfactions than doing battle with that warm, nimble, generous yet invariably cunning mind.

The Guardian

Why limit yourself to the traditional means of dining when you have the cunning mind of an adult human being?

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Instead, racist ideas have usually been produced by some of the most brilliant and cunning minds of each era.

Huffington Post

Some of the movie's virtues are, at first glance, modest ones, like those of its hero, who is pleased to present himself as a simple backwoods lawyer, even as his folksy mannerisms mask a formidable and cunning political mind.

The New York Times

Thus my old sparring partner, Peter Oborne, savours Darling's "cunning duplicitous mind" beneath the boring exterior and – as an ex-stockbroker – solemnly proclaims that if a FTSE company had issued such a budget statement the fraud squad would have been called in.

The Guardian

But now! — now! — and again he would lose himself in the most surprising and preternatural ponderings, which baffled all the introspective cunning of his mind.

The New York Times

As one of the UK's better known and most successful entrepreneurs who have to think he has got a cunning plan in mind.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cunning mind" to describe someone who is not only intelligent but also skilled in strategy and often uses indirect or subtle methods to achieve their goals. Be aware of the slightly negative connotation, implying a degree of trickery.

Common error

While "cunning mind" can be appropriate in certain narratives, avoid using it in formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "astute mind" or "sharp intellect" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cunning mind" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "cunning" modifies the noun "mind". This phrase typically describes a person's intellectual capability with an emphasis on cleverness, resourcefulness, and sometimes, a capacity for deception. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cunning mind" describes an intellect characterized by cleverness, resourcefulness, and strategic thinking, potentially involving deception. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and readily usable. While grammatically sound, it's more common in News & Media than formal contexts. Alternatives include "shrewd intellect", "astute mind", and "clever intellect". When using "cunning mind", it's important to be aware of its slightly negative connotations. The phrase serves to emphasize a strategic, sometimes manipulative, intelligence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shrewd intellect

Emphasizes practical intelligence and sharp judgment.

astute mind

Highlights keen awareness and insightful understanding.

clever intellect

Focuses on quickness and ingenuity in thought.

ingenious mind

Stresses inventiveness and resourcefulness.

sharp mind

Focuses on quickness and keenness of thought.

resourceful intellect

Highlights the ability to find and use available resources effectively.

deceptive intelligence

Implies intelligence used for trickery.

manipulative intelligence

Suggests intelligence used to control others.

scheming intellect

Indicates a tendency to plot and scheme.

wily intellect

Highlights skill in using clever tricks to deceive people.

FAQs

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

You can use "cunning mind" to describe someone who is clever and resourceful, often in a slightly deceptive way. For example: "The detective had a "cunning mind", always able to outsmart the criminals he pursued."

What are some alternatives to "cunning mind"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "cunning mind"?

Use "cunning mind" when you want to emphasize not just intelligence, but also a degree of cleverness and strategic thinking that might involve some level of deception or indirectness. Avoid it in situations where a purely positive connotation is desired.

What is the difference between "cunning mind" and "brilliant mind"?

"Brilliant mind" emphasizes exceptional intelligence and creativity, while "cunning mind" highlights strategic thinking and resourcefulness, often with a hint of trickery or manipulation. A brilliant mind is purely positive, while a "cunning mind" can be slightly negative.