sly look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sly look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that suggests cunning, deceit, or a hidden agenda. Example: "She gave him a sly look, hinting that she knew more than she was letting on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Adding to the drama, the singer was involved in a court case last month, in which a woman aged 32 was given an 18-month suspended prison sentence for threatening to decapitate her after she allegedly gave the woman a "sly" look during filming for a TV show.

The Guardian

The singer was involved in a court case in March, in which a woman, 32, was given an 18-month suspended prison sentence for threatening to decapitate Piper after she allegedly gave the woman a "sly" look during filming for a TV show.

The Guardian

A smirk is a satisfied half smile, but you aren't going for the happy, sly look.

WikiHow

The Angolans gave him a sly look.

The New Yorker

She took a sly look at the girl and wrote, "Gentlewoman".

The New Yorker

I feel like I'm having a sly look at pictures of Hope on Facebook".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Since I began writing for Cif I've already had my name linked to a pornographic website, and I've also been subjected to online abuse from men who have taken issue with my articles: "Classic narrow slitty, bitter, sly looking eyes, short hair, mannish looking always, always hate men.

The Guardian - Opinion

Waller-Bridge confides asides to the camera (at one point, literally behind the back of the actor playing her sister, telling us that her sibling is "uptight and borderline anorexic") and at times flashes the viewer wry or sly looks, in a manner handed down from Eric Morecambe to Miranda Hart.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Their ploy was to make you work for the sex by teasing you with shower scenes and sly looks, with the good stuff not coming until later.

Vice

The children exchanged sly looks and jokes with their father behind their mother's back, conspiring against her remorselessness.

The New Yorker

Simon (Kacey Mottet Klein, also seen in Home), 12, with his sly looks and quick fingers, is a border-crosser.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing non-human entities (animals, or even objects) imbuing them with human characteristics, the "sly look" can be particularly effective to hint at intelligence or intention.

Common error

Avoid using "sly look" when a simple 'smile' or 'glance' would suffice. Overusing it can make characters seem unnecessarily deceptive, even when they aren't. Ensure the context supports the implication of slyness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sly look" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It vividly characterizes a particular type of gaze, often implying a hidden intention or mischievousness. Ludwig AI examples show this phrase used to describe characters' expressions in both news and fiction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sly look" is a descriptive noun phrase used to convey intrigue or hidden intent. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts, with a neutral register. The analysis suggests that a "sly look" can indicate cunning or mischievousness, and its effect relies heavily on context. Related phrases, like "cunning gaze" or "furtive glance", provide alternative ways to describe the same concept with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cunning gaze

Emphasizes the intelligence and craftiness behind the look.

furtive glance

Highlights the secretive and quick nature of the look.

secretive expression

Focuses on the hidden or unrevealed intention conveyed by the look.

mischievous grin

Suggests playful naughtiness rather than malicious intent.

knowing smile

Implies shared understanding or secret knowledge.

wry expression

Conveys a blend of humor and irony in the look.

underhanded gaze

Strongly suggests dishonesty or unethical behavior reflected in the look.

deceptive look

Directly implies an intent to mislead or deceive.

shifty-eyed

Describes the appearance of someone who is avoiding direct eye contact due to guilt or dishonesty.

calculating stare

Indicates that the look is assessing and planning something strategically.

FAQs

How can I describe a "sly look" in more detail?

You can add adjectives to "sly look" to provide more detail, such as "a quick sly look" or "a knowing sly look". Consider also describing the facial expressions accompanying the look, such as a smirk or raised eyebrow.

What does it mean when someone gives a "sly look"?

A "sly look" often suggests that the person has a hidden intention, knows something others don't, or is being mischievous. The exact meaning depends on the context and the relationship between the people involved.

What are some synonyms for "sly look"?

Synonyms for "sly look" include "cunning gaze", "furtive glance", or "secretive expression". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sly look" a positive or negative trait?

Whether a "sly look" is positive or negative depends on the context. It can be endearing in a playful situation, but concerning if someone is being deceptive. Pay attention to the context.