sly smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sly smile" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common phrase used to describe a smile that is crafty, mischievous, or devious. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing someone's facial expression, actions, or intentions. Example: He couldn't help but smirk with a sly smile as he watched his opponent fall into his trap. In this example, the phrase "sly smile" is used to describe the man's facial expression, indicating that he is pleased with his cunning plan.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

A charming, sly smile.

The New York Times

Not a sly smile.

The New York Times - Style

A sly smile crossed her face.

The New Yorker

And then she flashed another sly smile.

The New York Times

A sly smile crossed Davis's face.

The New York Times - Sports

He paused, looking around the room with a sly smile.

The New Yorker

At three o'clock, Vo gave Druce a sly smile.

The New Yorker

"I was busy," Tom replied with a sly smile.

The New York Times - Sports

With a sly smile he told me of his background.

The New York Times

"They said he didn't," Berra said with a sly smile.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is Washington," he said with a sly smile.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sly smile" to subtly convey a character's hidden intentions or enjoyment of a secret advantage without being overtly malicious.

Common error

Avoid using "sly smile" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Explore alternative descriptions of smiles to add variety and nuance to your characters' expressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sly smile" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sly" modifies the noun "smile". It describes a specific type of smile characterized by a sense of cunning, secrecy, or mischief. Ludwig confirms this is a correct and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Sports

8%

Arts

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sly smile" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It effectively describes a smile that conveys cunning, secrecy, or mischief. Appearing most frequently in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for general usage. When writing, consider alternative descriptions of smiles like "knowing smile" or "mischievous grin" to avoid repetition. Understanding the specific nuances of "sly smile" can enhance your writing and create more vivid and engaging character portrayals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knowing smile

Emphasizes awareness or inside knowledge rather than deception.

wry smile

Suggests irony or a slightly mocking amusement.

enigmatic smile

Highlights the mysterious or puzzling nature of the smile.

mischievous grin

Conveys a playful or teasing intent behind the smile.

coy smile

Suggests shyness or a flirtatious playfulness.

smug smile

Indicates self-satisfaction or superiority.

secretive smile

Implies that the smile is hiding something important.

deceptive smile

Highlights the intention to mislead or conceal.

sardonic smile

Conveys cynicism or bitterness.

crafty smile

Focuses on the cunning or scheming aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "sly smile" in a sentence?

You can use "sly smile" to describe a person's facial expression when they are feeling mischievous, secretive, or cunning. For example, "He gave a "sly smile" as he revealed his plan."

What's the difference between a "sly smile" and a "smug smile"?

A "sly smile" suggests cunning or secretiveness, while a "smug smile" indicates self-satisfaction or superiority. The former hints at hidden intent, while the latter displays overt pride.

What can I say instead of "sly smile"?

You can use alternatives like "knowing smile", "wry smile", or "mischievous grin" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sly smile" a formal or informal expression?

"Sly smile" is generally considered a neutral expression and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding text and the overall tone of your writing.