sneaky move

USAGE SUMMARY

"sneaky move" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is done in a conniving or clever manner, often without another person's knowledge. For example: "The politician made a sneaky move to deflect blame away from himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was a lowdown, sneaky move, and I admired Mr. Hudman and Mr. Ticer immensely for it.

The New York Times - Food

Forward Shandon Anderson hit a 3-pointer and forward Vin Baker made a sneaky move in the lane reminiscent of his better days.

The New York Times - Sports

"I feel it was a sneaky move [and] I'm just disconnected right now," he said.

Huffington Post

In a sneaky move, Brendan tries to palm the behaviour in the genuinely odious video off as its creators being "twats".

Vice

It had been my idea to stop and look at the sky, but it wasn't coming off like a sneaky move now, because the moon was full and bright and gorgeous.

Huffington Post

The Green News Report is also available via... IN TODAY'S RADIO REPORT: President Obama's State of the Union focuses on climate change; Republicans' sneaky move to give the Keystone XL pipeline a new name; Yellowstone River pipeline spill spews oil and cancer-causing benzene; PLUS: Yes, Republicans vote climate change is not a hoax -- but there's a catch..

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Robert Carter, the executive chef, obviously has a few sneaky moves in his repertory.

The New York Times - Food

C14 Business Digest C1 World Business W1 EDITORIAL A22-23 EdiTheials: The roots of Abu Ghraib; shushing the big city; sneaky moves on tobacco; Serge Schmemann on a Russian émigré who finally gets his Russian passport.

The New York Times

That's because rapidly shifting economics, as well as some sneaky moves by a rival pipeline company, have probably made the pipeline superfluous.

Vice

If Derrick Rose could just remain healthy… The Washington Wizards had the sneakiest move of the offseason, letting Trevor Ariza bolt for the desperate Houston Rockets.

The Guardian - Sport

Jibe The traditionally sneaky opening move in a bout of mind games, which can escalate to a war of words.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sneaky move" when you want to emphasize the underhanded or cunning nature of an action. It often implies a cleverness that is somewhat unethical or unfair.

Common error

While "sneaky move" is widely understood, it can sound informal or colloquial in certain formal contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "strategic maneuver" or "calculated action" when writing for academic or professional audiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sneaky move" functions as a noun phrase, where "sneaky" modifies the noun "move". It typically describes an action or tactic that is cunning, deceptive, or underhanded. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sneaky move" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood expression used to describe a cunning or underhanded action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While suitable for many contexts, it is most frequently found in News & Media and general online content, making it appropriate for neutral to informal settings. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "strategic maneuver" or "calculated action". When using the phrase "sneaky move", remember that it typically implies a degree of cleverness paired with a lack of ethical consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underhand tactic

Focuses on the deceptive and unfair aspect of the action.

cunning maneuver

Emphasizes the clever and strategic aspect of the action.

deceptive ploy

Highlights the intention to mislead or deceive.

sly scheme

Implies a secretive and often dishonest plan.

crafty strategy

Focuses on the skill and ingenuity used to achieve a goal, potentially through deception.

underhanded trick

Highlights the unfairness and dishonesty of the action.

artful dodge

Emphasizes the skillful avoidance of something, often through deception.

shrewd action

Suggests intelligence and resourcefulness, potentially with a hint of deception.

conniving plot

Focuses on the manipulative and scheming nature of the action.

devious plan

Implies a cunning and often dishonest intention.

FAQs

How can I use "sneaky move" in a sentence?

You can use "sneaky move" to describe an action that is cunning or underhanded. For example, "The company made a sneaky move by quietly changing the terms of service."

What are some alternatives to "sneaky move"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "underhand tactic", "cunning maneuver", or "deceptive ploy".

Is "sneaky move" a formal or informal phrase?

"Sneaky move" is generally considered an informal phrase. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "strategic maneuver" or "calculated action".

What does "sneaky move" imply about the action being described?

"Sneaky move" implies that the action is cunning, underhanded, and possibly unethical. It suggests that the action was done in a clever but dishonest way.