wily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wily" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is clever, cunning, or deceitful in a way that is often skillful or crafty. Example: "The wily fox managed to outsmart the hunters and escape into the woods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most new SNP MPs will be inexperienced, not all will love or want to follow the wily Alex Salmond.

The Guardian

Amalinze was a wily craftsman, but Okonkwo was as slippery as a fish in water.

The Guardian - Books

But Rangers ground out a deserved win at Hibs in March, new manager Stuart McCall making his first big statement, and this week the wily playmaker Haris Vuckic, on loan from Newcastle, proved the difference in the first-leg of the Premiership play-off semi-final.

The Guardian - Sport

In the morning, the devil came for Cantuña's soul, but the wily fox had removed a stone from the dome.

The Guardian - Travel

Related: Tories not at war with BBC, says business secretary Fortunately, I suspect most of Tuesday's talk of "payback time" (the Sun is rarely subtle) is worthless, not least because the new culture secretary, John Whittingdale, is a wily and cautious old bird.

The Guardian

A young generation had been inspired to victory by a wily old warhorse who knew, far better than anyone else, how to win a sporting contest.

The Guardian

It seems a shame neither politician seems to have spoken to that wily, principled Conservative former home secretary Douglas Hurd before they proposed something as unworkable, ineffective and dangerous.

The Guardian - Opinion

They went gung-ho from the start and the folly of that approach rapidly became clear, as Tibor Nyilasi, a wily striker making his 50th appearance for Hungary, nodded in the first goal in the fourth minute.

The Guardian - Sport

Viruses are wily houseguests, moving stealthily from one host to the next.

The Economist

The feelbad factor Lionel's share Leszek Miller, Poland's wily man of the future Will Montenegro go independent?

The Economist

He is known for wily political manoeuvring, as everyone knows; he is often referred to sardonically as being the prime minister for life.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "wily", ensure that the context makes it clear whether this trait is being viewed positively (as cleverness) or negatively (as deceitfulness).

Common error

While "wily" is a descriptive word, it might sound out of place in very formal or academic writing. Consider more neutral alternatives like "shrewd" or "strategic" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "wily" primarily functions to describe someone as clever, cunning, and skilled at using tricks to achieve their goals. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing examples where "wily" is used to characterize individuals in various contexts, often implying a degree of shrewdness or even deceptiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wily" is an adjective used to describe someone who is clever and cunning, often employing tricks to achieve their objectives. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and offers diverse examples of its application across various contexts. While the word is widely used in news and media, its use in highly formal or academic settings might warrant consideration of more neutral alternatives. It is important to be mindful of the specific nuances of the context to ensure that the intended meaning is accurately conveyed when using "wily".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cunning

Focuses more on the skillful and deceitful aspect of achieving one's goals.

crafty

Implies cleverness and ingenuity, often in a manipulative way.

shrewd

Highlights intelligence and sharp-wittedness, especially in practical affairs.

sly

Suggests a secretive and cunning nature, often with a hint of dishonesty.

devious

Emphasizes the use of indirect and underhanded tactics.

guileful

Highlights the use of deceit and trickery to achieve a goal.

artful

Suggests skill and cleverness, sometimes in a deceptive way.

scheming

Focuses on the planning and plotting aspect of cunning behavior.

underhanded

Highlights the unfair and dishonest nature of the actions.

Machiavellian

Implies a ruthlessly pragmatic and manipulative approach to power.

FAQs

How can I use "wily" in a sentence?

You can use "wily" to describe someone who is skilled at using clever tricks to achieve something. For example, "The wily negotiator secured a favorable deal for his client".

What's the difference between "wily" and "cunning"?

Both words describe someone who is clever and skillful at deception, but "wily" often suggests a more playful or less malicious form of cunning. "Cunning" can imply a greater degree of ruthlessness. Consider using "cunning" when you need to express a negative form of cleverness.

What are some synonyms for "wily"?

Alternatives to "wily" include "sly", "crafty", "shrewd", and "guileful", depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a business person as "wily"?

Describing a business person as "wily" can be risky, as it implies a level of trickery or deception. It might be more appropriate to use terms like "astute" or "shrewd", which suggest cleverness and business acumen without the negative connotations.