cunning tactic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cunning tactic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clever or deceitful strategy employed to achieve a particular goal. Example: "The spy employed a cunning tactic to infiltrate the enemy's ranks without being detected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This is a cunning tactic.

The Guardian - Business

After last week's Test match in which the Wallabies attempted to break down England's 15-man wall of hard-bodied humanity with the cunning tactic of running at it head first, Michael Cheika's men brought variety to Saturday night's party.

The Guardian - Sport

She didn't have a secret cunning tactic to bag votes.

Vice

Here, he deployed his usual cunning tactic: shouting at the Euro to jolly well get on with it.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Chicago's plan is as much about cunning tactics as visionary strategy.

The New York Times

Later, under the name De Tham, he joined local insurgent pirate bands and became renowned for his bravery and cunning tactics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It added, however, that it was "confident that you would never resort to such cunning tactics as a leader who aspires to be a 'fighting politician'".

The Guardian

Calibo said the new findings reinforced the need for a change in approach in the Philippines to combat what he described as the "stubborn and cunning" tactics of the milk companies.

The Guardian

Roach, who now trains the Filipino Manny Pacquiao and has worked with many big names including Oscar De La Hoya, is a plain speaker who has clearly established a bond with Hopkins, a man he regards as a throwback fighter employing defensive strategy and cunning tactics.

The Guardian - Sport

These cunning tactics pale in comparison to the behaviour of one newly-discovered octopus species.

BBC

History shows that without tougher regulations, tobacco companies will continue using cunning tactics - and tricks such as enticing flavors - to try getting a new generation of kids addicted to nicotine.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a strategy, consider whether "cunning tactic" accurately reflects the intent. If the strategy relies more on intelligence than deceit, "clever strategy" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "cunning tactic" when the strategy is based purely on cleverness or intelligence, as the term implies a degree of deception or guile that may not be present. A phrase like "strategic maneuver" might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cunning tactic" functions as a noun phrase, where 'cunning' modifies 'tactic'. It describes a specific type of approach or method characterized by cleverness and often a degree of deceit or guile. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cunning tactic" is a noun phrase used to describe a method or approach characterized by cleverness and often a degree of deceit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While relatively rare, it appears primarily in news and media contexts and implies a strategic action that relies on intelligence and perhaps a touch of guile. When employing this phrase, it's important to consider whether the negative connotation of 'cunning' aligns with the intended meaning, or if a more neutral alternative like "clever strategy" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clever strategy

Emphasizes intelligence and planning rather than deceit.

sly maneuver

Suggests secrecy and skillful evasion.

astute approach

Highlights sharpness and practical intelligence in the method used.

shrewd scheme

Implies a clever and often self-serving plan.

devious ploy

Focuses on the deceitful and underhanded nature of the tactic.

artful dodge

Indicates a skillful way of avoiding something.

crafty measure

Highlights the skill and ingenuity in the action taken.

ingenious method

Stresses the clever and inventive qualities of the technique.

subtle game

Suggests a delicate and understated approach to achieving a goal.

wily gambit

Implies risk-taking and a willingness to use deception to gain an advantage.

FAQs

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

You can use "cunning tactic" to describe a clever and sometimes deceptive method used to achieve a goal. For example: "The general employed a "cunning tactic" to outflank the enemy forces."

What are some alternatives to "cunning tactic"?

Alternatives include "clever strategy", "sly maneuver", or "astute approach", depending on the context and the degree of deception involved.

Is "cunning tactic" a formal or informal phrase?

"Cunning tactic" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in news and media or narratives where strategic actions are being described.

What is the difference between "cunning tactic" and "strategic move"?

While both refer to methods used to achieve a goal, "cunning tactic" implies a degree of deceit or guile, whereas "strategic move" emphasizes planning and foresight without necessarily involving deception.