with high cunning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with high cunning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone acting with great skill or cleverness, often in a deceitful or manipulative manner. Example: "The politician maneuvered through the debate with high cunning, outsmarting his opponents at every turn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He charged into fortresses of the highbrows with high cunning.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Ozon's gift, extended in different directions from movie to movie, is to combine low-key observational intelligence with high literary cunning.

The New York Times

With High Highs.

The New York Times - Arts

You might even feel like the Pinterest Mom has raised the bar so high with her cunning Elf on the Shelf antics and individually piped Elsa and Olaf sugar cookies that you'll never meet expectations and everyone will think the stuff you do for your kids and your family is utter crap.

Huffington Post

Seeing him as the victim of a sorry heritage, he does not argue but instead commiserates, with a kind of higher moral cunning, about the difficulty of having to mistreat an innocent child.

The New Yorker

The German philosopher Walter Benjamin observed that fairy tales teach children to "meet the forces of the mythical world with cunning and high spirits".

The New York Times

The savages arrayed against him were sinister and stupid, never anything higher than cunning.

The New York Times - Books

A resourceful indie chamber piece with a cunning twist.

Independent

So, Figaro comes up with a cunning plan.

The Guardian - Music

It was a performance by Stevens stamped with wily cunning.

The Guardian - Sport

The season is being sold with considerable cunning.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with high cunning" to describe characters or situations where intelligence and skill are combined with a deceptive or manipulative approach.

Common error

Avoid using "with high cunning" in formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "with great skill" or "with strategic planning" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase. "With high cunning" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe how an action is performed. It provides additional information about the manner in which something is done. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is acceptable and provides context from reliable sources, although the phrase is not particularly common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with high cunning" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes actions performed with a blend of intelligence and potential deception. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it is relatively rare, predominantly appearing in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "with great guile" or "with shrewd intelligence" may be more suitable in formal settings. The key takeaway is to use this phrase judiciously, recognizing its implications of skillful yet possibly manipulative behavior. Avoid overuse in academic or professional writing, and consider alternative phrasings to maintain clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with great guile

Replaces "cunning" with "guile", emphasizing deceitful or treacherous intelligence.

with considerable craftiness

Substitutes "cunning" with "craftiness", highlighting skillful deception.

with shrewd intelligence

Replaces "cunning" with "shrewd intelligence", focusing on sharp and practical wisdom.

with astute skill

Uses "astute skill" instead of "high cunning", emphasizing keen perception and cleverness.

with clever manipulation

Highlights the manipulative aspect of "cunning", focusing on skillful control.

with artful deception

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of "cunning" by using "artful deception".

with subtle trickery

Replaces "cunning" with "subtle trickery", suggesting a delicate and deceptive approach.

with ingenious schemes

Focuses on the planning and inventive aspect of cunning, using "ingenious schemes".

with Machiavellian tactics

Implies ruthless and opportunistic cunning, referencing Machiavellian principles.

with serpentine cleverness

Uses a metaphor to describe the cunning as winding and elusive, like a serpent.

FAQs

What does "with high cunning" mean?

It means possessing a great deal of cleverness and skill, often used in a way that is deceitful or manipulative to achieve a goal.

What can I say instead of "with high cunning"?

You can use alternatives like "with great guile", "with shrewd intelligence", or "with clever manipulation" depending on the context.

Is "with high cunning" a positive or negative trait?

It depends on the context. While cunning can be seen as a form of intelligence, it often implies a negative connotation, suggesting a manipulative or deceitful approach.

How can I use "with high cunning" in a sentence?

Example: "The politician maneuvered through the complex negotiations "with high cunning", securing a favorable outcome for his party."