Guile refers to the use of cleverness and deceit to achieve one’s goals, often with an element of trickery or manipulation. It involves employing subtle, crafty methods that are designed to deceive or mislead others. While guile may be used to attain a specific objective, it usually involves a level of dishonesty or cunning that is viewed negatively. People who are described as possessing guile tend to be seen as sly, crafty, or even untrustworthy. However, it can sometimes be admired when used in contexts like strategy or problem-solving, as it often requires a sharp mind and the ability to outwit others. The use of guile is frequently associated with manipulative behavior, but it can also imply a certain level of sophistication and skill in achieving one’s aims through indirect means.
10 Sentences Using “Guile”:
- His guile allowed him to win the negotiation by convincing everyone he was on their side.
- The criminal’s guile was evident in the way he manipulated the authorities into believing his alibi.
- She relied on her guile to outsmart her competitors and secure the promotion.
- The detective suspected that the thief used guile to deceive the witnesses into giving false statements.
- With a combination of charm and guile, he managed to get what he wanted without anyone noticing.
- His guile in business negotiations helped him secure the deal under very favorable terms.
- The politician’s guile was apparent when he twisted the facts to suit his agenda.
- They couldn’t resist the charm and guile with which she convinced them to invest in the scheme.
- His guileful ways made him unpopular among his colleagues, who saw him as manipulative.
- The con artist relied heavily on guile to convince people to part with their money.
Synonyms for “Guile”:
- Cunning
- Craftiness
- Deceit
- Trickery
- Slyness
- Artifice
- Deception
- Subterfuge
- Duplicity
- Scheming
Antonyms for “Guile”:
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Candor
- Frankness
- Openness
- Transparency
- Sincerity
- Straightforwardness
- Trustworthiness
- Truthfulness
Related Words for “Guile”:
- Guileful (adjective)
- Guilefully (adverb)
- Deceit
- Craft
- Trickery
- Manipulation
- Strategy
- Subterfuge
- Dishonesty
Phrasal Verbs for “Guile”:
- Trick into (to deceive or manipulate someone into doing something)
- Pull the wool over (to deceive or mislead someone)
- Lead on (to deceive someone by giving false hopes or promises)
- Play on (to manipulate or exploit someone’s emotions or weaknesses)
- Set up (to deceive someone into a situation where they are at a disadvantage)
Idiomatic Expressions for “Guile”:
- “A wolf in sheep’s clothing” (someone who appears harmless but is actually deceitful)
- “Pull the wool over someone’s eyes” (to deceive or trick someone)
- “Play dirty” (to use dishonest or underhanded tactics to win or succeed)
- “Bait and switch” (to deceive by promising one thing and delivering something different)
- “Have a hidden agenda” (to have secret or selfish motives that are not openly acknowledged)
